What Is Cholesterol And How Is It Connected To Heart Health?

Since a long time, high levels of cholesterol have been often linked to an increased risk of heart diseases. While cholesterol is essential for the effective functioning of the body, an imbalance in the cholesterol levels have been linked to several problems. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends no more than 300mg/d of cholesterol for a healthy body. Here's explaining the concept and the related tips.

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

It is a type of fat found in the blood made by the liver. It combines with the proteins in the blood and moves through the bloodstream (called lipoproteins). There are two types of cholesterol: the Low-density cholesterol (LDL) or the ‘bad’ cholesterol and the High-density Cholesterol (HDL) or the ‘good’ cholesterol.

The HDL is carried from the blood back to the liver for breaking down. On the other hand, the LDL is carried from the liver into the blood, too much of which can make the blood vessels narrower.

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CHOLESTEROL AND HEART DISEASES

According to studies, increased levels of the low-density cholesterol (LDL) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases significantly. High levels of LDL clog the blood vessels. Narrower arteries prevent the blood from reaching vital body organs like the heart, brain. This is the prime reasons for strokes, paralysis and even, organ failure. In addition to having high cholesterol, other factors affecting heart health include high blood pressure, diabetes, family history and lifestyle factors. High levels of cholesterol can also cause brain blockage affecting the memory (Alzheimer's), cause gallstones, numbness in body parts and chest pain leading to heart attack.

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THE RECENT RESEARCH

New studies show that people over the age of 60 having high LDL levels lived longer than the ones who had lower levels of LDL. Notably, in the group that was studied, the researchers did not take into account the levels of HDL or the lifestyle followed by the people.

According to new(er) research in 2018, researchers claim that there was no connection between the LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of developing heart diseases. The studies questioned the use of statins in lowering the cholesterol levels claiming that the advocated benefits were deceptive. Concrete statements have not been made regarding the same and research is still under progress.

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TIPS TO PREVENT CHOLESTEROL RELATED PROBLEMS

• Maintain a healthy diet with all essential nutrients. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Avoid deep-fried foods and sugar-rich foods. Sweet treats, fatty meats, sugary drinks should be avoided at all costs whatsoever.
• Keep a watch on your weight. Obesity has been a prime cause of developing major chronic diseases.
• Exercise and keep the body working. Regular activity keeps the body in balance and cholesterol levels in check.
• Schedule an annual routine check-up with the doctor. Get your complete body checked and make necessary changes according to the reports.

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It is better to be safe than sorry. Anything in excess is always bad. Connection or no-connection, cholesterol levels should be checked regularly and necessary lifestyle changes for the betterment of the body are advisable.

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