The most significant risk factor for atherosclerosis is dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood lipid levels). An analysis of population-based research conducted in India reveals rising levels of total cholesterol among people. According to recent studies, 25–30% of urban and 15–20% of rural population have elevated cholesterol levels. Compared to high-income nations, this prevalence is lower. In India, borderline high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides are the most prevalent forms of dyslipidaemia.
Because elevated blood cholesterol can raise the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, many people are concerned about their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a vital component of every tissue in our bodies and is involved in many aspects of metabolism. It flows through the bloodstream in tiny "parcels," passing from one organ to another. In general, cholesterol can be divided into two categories: HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), which raises it. When LDL cholesterol exceeds a certain level or who generally have a lot of cholesterol in their blood are considered to have abnormally high cholesterol levels or hypercholesterolemia.
Abnormalities in the levels of various cholesterol lipoprotein lipids such as high total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are important coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. There is strong association between raised LDL cholesterol with beginning and progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
Since cholesterol is only one of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, it doesn't tell us much about a person's likelihood of developing it. You can only get a clear picture of your personal risk of conditions like heart attacks or strokes if all of these factors are taken into account. When determining whether or not to take medication, the cholesterol analysis might also be helpful. Let’s get into the details to know whether all cholesterol is for our body? If not, then which ones are good and which ones are bad.
Also Read: How Do You Know If You Have High Cholesterol?
What is Cholesterol?
All of your body's cells contain the waxy, fat-like material known as cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for your body to function correctly. It can, however, adhere to the walls of your arteries and restrict or even block the blood flow in them if your blood contains an excessive amount of it. You have the risk of developing coronary artery disease and other heart conditions if you have excess blood cholesterol levels. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) are the two types of cholesterol. LDL is typically regarded as "bad" cholesterol, but HDL is generally seen as "good." This is so that HDL may remove cholesterol from your bloodstream before it accumulates in your arteries. HDL transports cholesterol to your liver. On the other hand, LDL transports cholesterol straight to your arteries. This may lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque that can potentially end in stroke and heart attack. Triglycerides, the third component of cholesterol, function as excess calories that are stored in the blood as fat. Triglycerides can accumulate in the blood when you consume more calories than you expend, raising your risk of heart attacks.Also Read: What Is High Cholesterol? Common Signs And Symptoms You Need To Know
Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol
The significance of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol in our body depends upon their balance. The following information can help in distinguishing between these two cholesterols:| Aspect | Good Cholesterol (HDL) | Bad Cholesterol (LDL) |
| Full Form | High-Density Lipoprotein | Low-Density Lipoprotein |
| Function | Transports excess cholesterol from blood to liver for excretion, helping to clear arteries. | Delivers cholesterol to cells for use; excess can build up in arteries. |
| Impact on Health | Protects against heart disease by preventing artery blockages. | Increases risk of heart disease and stroke by forming plaques in arteries. |
| Optimal Levels | Higher levels are beneficial for heart health. | Lower levels are preferable to reduce health risks. |
| Source | Boosted by healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds, olive oil), regular exercise. | Increased by trans fats, saturated fats, and poor diet. |
| Role in Atherosclerosis | Helps remove plaque from arteries. | Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. |
Tips to Keep Your Cholesterol Levels in Healthy Range
Following are few effective tips to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range:- Eating a healthy diet: Limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, and eat more foods that are high in fiber, plant stanols and sterols, and omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eat more fiber: Increase your intake of fiber since it helps stop your body from absorbing cholesterol. It is present in whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
- Eat more plant stanols and sterols: Increase your intake of plant-based sterols and stanols, which also aid in preventing the absorption of cholesterol by your body. Whole grains, nuts, legumes, and oils like avocado and olive oil all contain them.
- Eat more omega-3 fatty acids: Consume more omega-3 fats: These fats may reduce your risk of heart attack by lowering your triglyceride and LDL levels. They are present in fish such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity can help in maintaining a healthy weight and lowering your cholesterol levels. Manage your weight: Being overweight or obese can raise bad cholesterol levels.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
- Limiting alcohol: Try to limit alcohol intake to control blood cholesterol levels.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can sometimes raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
- Eating spices: Some spices, like garlic, curcumin, ginger, black pepper, coriander, and cinnamon, can improve cholesterol.
Conclusion
Heart health depends on keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL) in good balance. A healthy lifestyle, prompt action, and routine checkups can all help to avoid such issues and improve general health. Take control of your cholesterol now to ensure a healthier tomorrow. Don't put it off. If you are looking forward to maintaining the right balance between good and bad cholesterol, then reach out to our cardiologist at Asian Heart Hospital for comprehensive care. Book your appointment now!FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to control elevated cholesterol levels without medication?A: Yes, cholesterol levels can be controlled by making lifestyle adjustments such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, giving up smoking, and controlling weight. However, medication may be necessary for some individuals, as determined by a doctor.
Q2: Does elevated cholesterol exhibit any symptoms?
A: Usually, high cholesterol doesn't cause any symptoms. A blood test known as a lipid profile is often advised to diagnose it. Uncontrolled high cholesterol over time can result in problems including heart attacks and strokes.
Q3: Can cholesterol levels be impacted by stress?
A: Indeed, long-term stress can decrease HDL (good cholesterol) and increase LDL (bad cholesterol). Stress-reduction methods such as yoga, mindfulness, or counseling can be beneficial.
