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Having high cholesterol can lead to serious health
problems such as heart disease and stroke. We know that we
should eat more fruits and vegetables and watch our intake
of red meats and other fatty foods. And we know we should
all have our blood cholesterol tested regularly, especially
if we have a family history of high cholesterol.
But did you know there are some good aspects of
cholesterol? Helmut Schrott, M.D., a professor of
epidemiology in the University of Iowa College of Public
Health and director of the UI Lipid Research Clinic, said
that the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to
function properly.
"Cholesterol is needed for cell wall functioning and for
the production of hormones, such as estrogen and
testosterone," said Schrott. "However, the body naturally
makes cholesterol in every cell, so there is no absolute
dietary need for it."
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the liver and
located in cell walls. Lipoproteins, a combination of lipids
(fats) and proteins, are made in the liver and carries
cholesterol, fats and fat-soluble vitamins, among many other
substances, to different parts of the body that need it for
energy and repairs. When cholesterol rises above a certain
level, it can increase your risk for heart disease and
stroke.
You often hear about "good" and "bad" cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is known as the
"bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C) is known as the "good" cholesterol. Too much LDL-C
circulating in the blood can start to build up in the walls
of the arteries, especially those leading to the heart and
brain.
HDL-C particles can unload cholesterol from other
lipoproteins and tissues like the arteries and carry the
excess cholesterol to the liver to be eliminated from the
body. This removal of cholesterol is sometimes referred to
as the reverse cholesterol pathway.
According to the American Heart Association, there are
three levels of total cholesterol that relate to the amount
of risk for heart disease risk one may have. A desirable
level of total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, meaning
your risk for heart disease is average. A borderline high
risk level for total cholesterol is 200-239 mg/dL, and a
high-risk level for heart disease occurs when the total
cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL or greater.
If you are at high risk for heart disease because your
cholesterol is elevated, what can you do? If you are
overweight, eat an unhealthy diet, or have a family history
of cholesterol, Schrott recommends engaging in a healthier
lifestyle.
"Although medication is a very effective way to treat
high cholesterol, diet and weight loss may be the only
things you need to do to lower your cholesterol," Schrott
said. "Eating a diet low in saturated fat and following an
exercise program are also effective in reducing the risk for
other potential diseases such as diabetes and
hypertension."
Sometimes being on a diet is easier said than done.
Schrott said that staying on a regimented diet and exercise
program is very hard for many patients.
"It's easy to lose weight and eat right when you want
to," Schrott said. "It's harder when you have to."
Finding a diet and exercise plan that works for you and
in which you can see results is the key. Eating more fruits
and vegetables and less red meat, eggs and other foods high
in saturated fat, and getting regular exercise, will greatly
improve cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol or
are at risk for high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about
a plan that works for you.
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