What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is used to help digest fats, strengthen cell membranes and make hormones. Although cholesterol serves many important functions in the body, too much cholesterol in the blood can be dangerous. When blood cholesterol reaches high levels, it can build up on artery walls causing ‘narrowing’ and ‘hardening’ of artery walls which increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
The bloodstream transports cholesterol throughout the body by special carriers called lipoproteins. The two major lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL)
LDL – The “BAD” Cholesterol
LDL is the material that contributes most to cholesterol build-up and blockage in arteries. Decreasing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood is an important part of decreasing the risk of heart disease.
HDL – The “GOOD” Cholesterol
HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries by removing cholesterol and carrying it to the liver where it is metabolized. Therefore, for HDL, higher levels are better.
What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Since high blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high. Therefore it is recommended that everyone aged 20 and over should have their cholesterol test at least once every few years. Cholesterol readings you receive from your laboratory generally include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and Triglyceride (another form of fat in the blood) levels. This blood test is done after 10-12 hours of fasting.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
Many factors, such as genetics, obesity, inactivity and poor diet contribute to high cholesterol. Understanding how these factors affect your cholesterol is important in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol.
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Genetics / Heredity
Since your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes, a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol can sometimes be a reason for high cholesterol levels. It is important to focus on those aspects which you can control rather than feeling genetically doomed.
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Age and Gender
As men and women get older, their cholesterol levels rise. For example, before the age of menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After the age of menopause, women’s LDL levels tend to rise.
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Weight
Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase cholesterol levels. Losing weight can help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise HDL and lower triglyceride levels.
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Physical Activity
Not being physically active is considered a risk factor for heart disease. Regular exercise can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. The cholesterol lowering effect of exercise is greatest when individuals exercise at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes or more.
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Diet
Saturated fat and cholesterol in food increases blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fat is the main culprit, but cholesterol in foods also matters. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
How can you help yourself?
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly (3 times / week for at least 30 min).
- Eat a low-fat, well-balanced diet.
- Check your Cholesterol levels regularly.
FAQs:
How many hours of fasting are needed before a cholesterol test?
It is recommended to perform the test after fasting for 9 to 12 hours before the blood sample is taken. During this fasting period, only water and prescribed medications are allowed. Food and any drinks containing calories (such as juices or coffee with milk) should be avoided.
For most people, a non-fasting cholesterol test is considered acceptable, as studies have shown that it provides similar results for total, “good,” and “bad” cholesterol levels. It can even be a better predictor of the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
However, a fasting cholesterol test is still necessary for individuals who have high triglyceride levels, are overweight, or have diabetes or prediabetes, since triglyceride levels are strongly affected by recent food intake.
At what age does hereditary cholesterol appear?
Hereditary cholesterol (also known as familial hypercholesterolemia) can appear as early as childhood.
In some cases, it can be detected between the ages of 2 and 10, especially in children with a strong family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
In adults, it is usually noticeable from the age of 20 and above.
Early screening is important if a parent or first-degree relative has been diagnosed with hereditary high cholesterol.
What is the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides?
Cholesterol:
A fat-like substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods. It is used to build cells, produce hormones, and synthesize vitamin D.
It is divided into two main types:
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LDL (bad cholesterol): Increases the risk of artery blockage.
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HDL (good cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood.
Triglycerides:
Another type of fat in the blood, used as an energy source. They typically rise due to high sugar and fat intake or lack of physical activity.
Key difference:
Cholesterol is involved in building cells and hormones, while triglycerides serve as stored energy in the body.
High levels of either — or both — increase the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.