Cholesterol levels??? What is this good and bad cholesterol?!
Question: Cholesterol levels!?!?!? What is this good and bad cholesterol!?
I was looking on a cholesterol website and i read that there are two types of cholesterol!. good and bad!. It also said that there is naturally cholesterol in your body!. So then when you go to the doctor, would he ever tell you that you have cholesterol, or is that the level of normal cholesterol in your body; or would he say that you have high cholesterol!? How high does your cholesterol level have to be for it to be too much!? What does it mean if a teen gets high cholesterol!?
Websites would be a great help thnxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Websites would be a great help thnxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Normal total cholesterol is 5 mmoles or less!.
HDL is good cholesterol and LDL is bad!. Someone may have a high HDL and a low LDL, this might give them an apparently high total cholesterol, which would be misleading!. To counter this the cholesterol/HDL ratio is used, It is desirable for the cholesterol/HDL ratio to be less than 5!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
HDL is good cholesterol and LDL is bad!. Someone may have a high HDL and a low LDL, this might give them an apparently high total cholesterol, which would be misleading!. To counter this the cholesterol/HDL ratio is used, It is desirable for the cholesterol/HDL ratio to be less than 5!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Need to give a blood test and he can tell you how much you have!. Anything over 5 is high!. or if you have over 80% bad cholesterol!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
High cholesterol
This factsheet is for people who want to learn more about cholesterol levels and health!. Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) made by the body!. It is essential for good health and is found in every cell in the body!. However, a high cholesterol level in the blood (hypercholesterolaemia) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke!. Seven out of 10 people over 45 have high cholesterol!.
Why is high cholesterol a problem!?
The main risk associated with high cholesterol is cardiovascular disease (CVD)!. This includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels!. High cholesterol causes blood vessels to become narrowed with fatty deposits called plaques!. This can result in heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel problems!. For more information see the separate Bupa health factsheets Angina, Heart attack and Stroke!.
Types of cholesterol
Cholesterol is transported around the body in the blood attached to a protein!. This combination of fat and protein is called a lipoprotein!. Lipoproteins can be high density (HDL), low density (LDL) or very low density (VLDL), depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat!.
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
Most of the body's cholesterol is transported as LDL!. This is made up of mostly fat and a small amount of protein!. Too much LDL in the blood can cause cholesterol deposits to build up in the arteries, making it harder for the blood to flow through these blood vessels!. High levels of LDL in the blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD!. So LDL is sometimes referred to as " bad cholesterol"!.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
A small amount of cholesterol is transported as HDL, which is mostly made up of protein and a small amount of fat!.
HDL actually helps prevent cholesterol deposits building up in the arteries!. Having low levels of HDL (compared with LDL) in the blood is associated with an increased risk of CVD!. So HDL is sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol"!. Women tend to have a higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men!.
If the total cholesterol (TC) level is too high, this is one risk factor for health problems!. However, it's important to consider the relative amounts of HDL and LDL!. This is often referred to as the TC:HDL ratio!. A high level of HDL and a low level of LDL (so a low TC:HDL ratio) is desirable!.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a different type of fat, which mostly come from fats in your food!. Energy that is eaten and not used immediately is converted into triglycerides and transported to fat cells for storage!. This is an important source of stored energy!.
Although most triglycerides are stored in fat tissue, low levels are also found in the blood!. They are carried in the blood as very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)!.
A raised level of blood triglycerides together with high LDL can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly in people with diabetes!.
What causes high cholesterol!?
There are several factors that may contribute to high blood cholesterol:
a diet that's high in saturated fat and, less so, high in cholesterol (see How diet affects cholesterol below)
lack of exercise may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol
family history - people are at a higher risk of high cholesterol if they have a direct male relative aged under 55 or a female relative aged under 65 affected by heart disease
being overweight, which may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol
age and sex - cholesterol generally rises slightly with increasing age, and men are more likely to be affected than women
drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol (ie more than three to four units per day for men and two to three units per day for women)
Rarely, high cholesterol can be caused by a condition that runs in the family called a lipid disorder (familial hypercholesterolaemia)!. About one in 500 people have this condition!.
Other health conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, certain kidney and liver diseases and an underactive thyroid gland may also cause cholesterol levels to rise!. Some medicines such as beta-blockers, steroids or thiazides (a type of diuretic) may also affect blood lipid levels!.
How diet affects blood cholesterol
Only a small amount of cholesterol comes directly from your diet - the majority is produced by your liver!. However, if your diet is high in saturated fats and cholesterol this can cause your liver to produce more LDL ("bad") cholesterol!. The amount that diet influences cholesterol levels varies from person to person!.
Measuring cholesterol
The amount of cholesterol in your blood is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, usually shortened to "mmol/litre" or "mmol/l"!. America uses the units milligrams per decilitre of blood: "mg/dl" instead!. Current UK guidelines state that it is desirable to have a total cholesterol level under 5mmol/l, and an LDL level under 3mmol/l!.
In order to estimate your risk of getting CVD, the best indicator of risk is your TC:HDL ratio!. A lower ratio is desirable, because this indicates that you have high levels of HDL!.
Measuring cholesterol involves a simple blood test!. Usually you will be asked not to eat for 12 hours before the test so that your food is completely digested and doesn't affect the test!. A blood sample may be taken either by using a needle and a syringe, or by using a finger prick!. You can have this test at your GP surgery, at a hospital appointment, or as part of a health assessment examination!.
Home-testing kits for cholesterol may not be very accurate!. Also, cholesterol is just one of the risk factors for heart disease!. It should ideally be measured under medical supervision so that other important issues, such as blood pressure, age and whether or not you smoke, are taken into account!. Speak to your pharmacist about your result if you do choose a home testing kit!.
Who should have a cholesterol test!?
Anyone who has any cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (disease in the blood vessels that supply the limbs) or stroke, should have their cholesterol measured by a doctor!.
Anyone, even children, with a family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia should have their cholesterol measured!.
Anyone aged 35 or over should consider having their cholesterol measured if they have one or more of the following risk factors for CVD: family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if they smoke!.
Diagnosis
Having a high cholesterol level does not cause symptoms!. Most people find out they have high cholesterol when they have their blood cholesterol measured as part of a medical check-up!. Alternatively, it may be identified after other health problems, such as heart disease, have been diagnosed!.
Treatment
The main aim of lowering cholesterol is to reduce the risk of heart disease!. The type of treatment depends on the overall risk of heart disease!.
There are two ways to help lower high cholesterol!. The first is with simple lifestyle changes including changing diet, managing weight and increasing exercise!. The second is to combine lifestyle changes with cholesterol-lowering medicines!.
Diet
Healthy eating can reduce cholesterol!. Your diet should be low in saturated fats in particular, and low in fat overall!. Biscuits, cakes, pastries, red meat, hard cheese, butter and foods containing coconut or palm oil all tend to be high in saturated fats, so cut down on these foods!.
Large amounts of cholesterol are found in a few foods, including eggs, offal such as liver and kidneys, and prawns!. However, if you're already eating a balanced diet, you don't need to cut down on these foods unless your GP or dietitian have advised you to!.
It's also important to eat plenty of fibre, especially soluble fibre, which is thought to lower cholesterol!. It's found in fruits and vegetables, beans and oats!. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day!. For more information see the Bupa factsheet, Healthy eating!.
There is some evidence that foods containing substances called plant sterols or plant stanols, such as the brands Benecol or Flora pro!.activ, in combination with a low fat diet and physical activity, can help to lower cholesterol!.
Medicines
Cholesterol-lowering medicines are considered for people who already have CVD, or are at high risk of getting it because they have other risk factors!.
The main group of medicines for lowering cholesterol are statins!. Examples include simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor)!. They work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver!. Occasionally these drugs have side-effects such as indigestion and muscle pains!. Other types of drugs to reduce cholesterol are called fibrates, nicotinic acids and cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as ezetimibe (Ezetrol) but these are generally less effective or have more side-effects!. Your doctor will tell you more about these medicines!.
Further information
The British Heart Foundation
08450 708 070
www!.bhf!.org!.ukWww@Answer-Health@Com
This factsheet is for people who want to learn more about cholesterol levels and health!. Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) made by the body!. It is essential for good health and is found in every cell in the body!. However, a high cholesterol level in the blood (hypercholesterolaemia) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke!. Seven out of 10 people over 45 have high cholesterol!.
Why is high cholesterol a problem!?
The main risk associated with high cholesterol is cardiovascular disease (CVD)!. This includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels!. High cholesterol causes blood vessels to become narrowed with fatty deposits called plaques!. This can result in heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel problems!. For more information see the separate Bupa health factsheets Angina, Heart attack and Stroke!.
Types of cholesterol
Cholesterol is transported around the body in the blood attached to a protein!. This combination of fat and protein is called a lipoprotein!. Lipoproteins can be high density (HDL), low density (LDL) or very low density (VLDL), depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat!.
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
Most of the body's cholesterol is transported as LDL!. This is made up of mostly fat and a small amount of protein!. Too much LDL in the blood can cause cholesterol deposits to build up in the arteries, making it harder for the blood to flow through these blood vessels!. High levels of LDL in the blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD!. So LDL is sometimes referred to as " bad cholesterol"!.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
A small amount of cholesterol is transported as HDL, which is mostly made up of protein and a small amount of fat!.
HDL actually helps prevent cholesterol deposits building up in the arteries!. Having low levels of HDL (compared with LDL) in the blood is associated with an increased risk of CVD!. So HDL is sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol"!. Women tend to have a higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men!.
If the total cholesterol (TC) level is too high, this is one risk factor for health problems!. However, it's important to consider the relative amounts of HDL and LDL!. This is often referred to as the TC:HDL ratio!. A high level of HDL and a low level of LDL (so a low TC:HDL ratio) is desirable!.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a different type of fat, which mostly come from fats in your food!. Energy that is eaten and not used immediately is converted into triglycerides and transported to fat cells for storage!. This is an important source of stored energy!.
Although most triglycerides are stored in fat tissue, low levels are also found in the blood!. They are carried in the blood as very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)!.
A raised level of blood triglycerides together with high LDL can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly in people with diabetes!.
What causes high cholesterol!?
There are several factors that may contribute to high blood cholesterol:
a diet that's high in saturated fat and, less so, high in cholesterol (see How diet affects cholesterol below)
lack of exercise may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol
family history - people are at a higher risk of high cholesterol if they have a direct male relative aged under 55 or a female relative aged under 65 affected by heart disease
being overweight, which may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol
age and sex - cholesterol generally rises slightly with increasing age, and men are more likely to be affected than women
drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol (ie more than three to four units per day for men and two to three units per day for women)
Rarely, high cholesterol can be caused by a condition that runs in the family called a lipid disorder (familial hypercholesterolaemia)!. About one in 500 people have this condition!.
Other health conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, certain kidney and liver diseases and an underactive thyroid gland may also cause cholesterol levels to rise!. Some medicines such as beta-blockers, steroids or thiazides (a type of diuretic) may also affect blood lipid levels!.
How diet affects blood cholesterol
Only a small amount of cholesterol comes directly from your diet - the majority is produced by your liver!. However, if your diet is high in saturated fats and cholesterol this can cause your liver to produce more LDL ("bad") cholesterol!. The amount that diet influences cholesterol levels varies from person to person!.
Measuring cholesterol
The amount of cholesterol in your blood is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, usually shortened to "mmol/litre" or "mmol/l"!. America uses the units milligrams per decilitre of blood: "mg/dl" instead!. Current UK guidelines state that it is desirable to have a total cholesterol level under 5mmol/l, and an LDL level under 3mmol/l!.
In order to estimate your risk of getting CVD, the best indicator of risk is your TC:HDL ratio!. A lower ratio is desirable, because this indicates that you have high levels of HDL!.
Measuring cholesterol involves a simple blood test!. Usually you will be asked not to eat for 12 hours before the test so that your food is completely digested and doesn't affect the test!. A blood sample may be taken either by using a needle and a syringe, or by using a finger prick!. You can have this test at your GP surgery, at a hospital appointment, or as part of a health assessment examination!.
Home-testing kits for cholesterol may not be very accurate!. Also, cholesterol is just one of the risk factors for heart disease!. It should ideally be measured under medical supervision so that other important issues, such as blood pressure, age and whether or not you smoke, are taken into account!. Speak to your pharmacist about your result if you do choose a home testing kit!.
Who should have a cholesterol test!?
Anyone who has any cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (disease in the blood vessels that supply the limbs) or stroke, should have their cholesterol measured by a doctor!.
Anyone, even children, with a family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia should have their cholesterol measured!.
Anyone aged 35 or over should consider having their cholesterol measured if they have one or more of the following risk factors for CVD: family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if they smoke!.
Diagnosis
Having a high cholesterol level does not cause symptoms!. Most people find out they have high cholesterol when they have their blood cholesterol measured as part of a medical check-up!. Alternatively, it may be identified after other health problems, such as heart disease, have been diagnosed!.
Treatment
The main aim of lowering cholesterol is to reduce the risk of heart disease!. The type of treatment depends on the overall risk of heart disease!.
There are two ways to help lower high cholesterol!. The first is with simple lifestyle changes including changing diet, managing weight and increasing exercise!. The second is to combine lifestyle changes with cholesterol-lowering medicines!.
Diet
Healthy eating can reduce cholesterol!. Your diet should be low in saturated fats in particular, and low in fat overall!. Biscuits, cakes, pastries, red meat, hard cheese, butter and foods containing coconut or palm oil all tend to be high in saturated fats, so cut down on these foods!.
Large amounts of cholesterol are found in a few foods, including eggs, offal such as liver and kidneys, and prawns!. However, if you're already eating a balanced diet, you don't need to cut down on these foods unless your GP or dietitian have advised you to!.
It's also important to eat plenty of fibre, especially soluble fibre, which is thought to lower cholesterol!. It's found in fruits and vegetables, beans and oats!. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day!. For more information see the Bupa factsheet, Healthy eating!.
There is some evidence that foods containing substances called plant sterols or plant stanols, such as the brands Benecol or Flora pro!.activ, in combination with a low fat diet and physical activity, can help to lower cholesterol!.
Medicines
Cholesterol-lowering medicines are considered for people who already have CVD, or are at high risk of getting it because they have other risk factors!.
The main group of medicines for lowering cholesterol are statins!. Examples include simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor)!. They work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver!. Occasionally these drugs have side-effects such as indigestion and muscle pains!. Other types of drugs to reduce cholesterol are called fibrates, nicotinic acids and cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as ezetimibe (Ezetrol) but these are generally less effective or have more side-effects!. Your doctor will tell you more about these medicines!.
Further information
The British Heart Foundation
08450 708 070
www!.bhf!.org!.ukWww@Answer-Health@Com
Dyslipidemia is elevation of plasma cholesterol and/or TGs or a low HDL level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis!. Causes may be primary (genetic) or secondary!. Diagnosis is by measuring plasma levels of total cholesterol, TGs, and individual lipoproteins!. Treatment is dietary changes, exercise, and lipid-lowering drugs!.
* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)!. LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol particles throughout your body!. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow!.
* Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)!. This type of lipoprotein contains the most triglycerides, a type of fat, attached to the proteins in your blood!. Like LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol makes LDL cholesterol particles larger, causing your blood vessels to narrow!. If you're taking cholesterol-lowering medication but have a high VLDL level, you may need additional medication to lower it because VLDL is high in triglycerides!.
* High-density lipoprotein (HDL)!. HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver!.
HDL & LDL-Conversion from mmol/L to mg/dL multiply into 39!.
Triglycerides- Conversion from mmol/L to mg/dL multiply into 89!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)!. LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol particles throughout your body!. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow!.
* Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)!. This type of lipoprotein contains the most triglycerides, a type of fat, attached to the proteins in your blood!. Like LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol makes LDL cholesterol particles larger, causing your blood vessels to narrow!. If you're taking cholesterol-lowering medication but have a high VLDL level, you may need additional medication to lower it because VLDL is high in triglycerides!.
* High-density lipoprotein (HDL)!. HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver!.
HDL & LDL-Conversion from mmol/L to mg/dL multiply into 39!.
Triglycerides- Conversion from mmol/L to mg/dL multiply into 89!.Www@Answer-Health@Com