What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol  is a fatty substance in your body.  Cholesterol can be helpful and harmful to your body.  Its positive aspect is its ability to help built the hormones and nerve cells your body needs.  However, when you have too much cholesterol, the walls of your blood vessels can thicken.  This can cause heart attacks and strokes. 

Where does cholesterol come from?

 Your body produces enough cholesterol to meet all of your body's needs.  Cholesterol also comes form animal foods you eat, specially organ meats, egg yolks and animal protein.  Some of the foods that are high in cholesterol also contain large amounts of saturated fat such as dairy products, fatty meats and eggs.  Foods high in saturated fats lead to high blood cholesterol levels.

 Why is high cholesterol a problem? 

High blood cholesterol is one of the leading risk for coronary heart disease.    Because there are no warning sign, you should limit the amount of both cholesterol and saturated fats in your diet.  When the arteries become clogged, blood flow to the heart is restricted and this can lead to a heart attack.

 How can I know that my cholesterol is normal?

Providing a blood sample taken from your finger or arm can check your cholesterol level.  When you have blood test for cholesterol, you may be checked for four things: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides

Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mm/dL. If it is over 240 mm/dL, you should consult your physician.

There are two main types of cholesterol in your blood. One type is High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)or "good" cholesterol.  The other type is Low Density  Lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. HDL helps prevent heart disease. It also helps get rid of cholesterol.

 LDL leaves fat on the outside of the blood vessels. When you have too much LDL, you have a higher chance of heart disease. Your HDL should be 45 or above.  35 or below is considered unhealthy. Also, you LDL should be 130 or below. 160 or above is considered dangerous. 

 What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the main type of fat transported by your body.  They are a normal components in your bloodstream.  After you eat, your body digests the fats in your food and releases triglycerides into your blood stream. They can also be stored as fat or transported throughout your body to give you energy.  An acceptable triglyceride level is 150 mg/dL. If your triglyceride is high, it may be wise for you to be checked for diabetes.

 How to maintain a healthy cholesterol level? 

Maintain a healthy body weight.
Do not smoke.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Take your medication.