TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CHOLESTEROLCholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Cholesterol is also considered a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi.
CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL
Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. The main types, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver, respectively. According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high LDL contributes to this process, it is termed "bad cholesterol", while high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, and healthy eating habbits.
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High-density lipoprotein: High-density lipoproteins (HDL) form a class of lipoproteins, varying somewhat in their size (8–11 nm in diameter), that carry fatty acids and cholesterol from the body's tissues to the liver. About thirty percent of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
HOW IS YOUR CHOLESTEROL?
It is hypothesised that HDL can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries and transport it back to the liver for excretion or re-utilization—which is the main reason why HDL-bound cholesterol is sometimes called "good cholesterol", or HDL-C. A high level of HDL-C seems to protect against cardiovascular diseases, and low HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dL) increase the risk for heart disease. When measuring cholesterol, any contained in HDL particles is considered as protection to the body's cardiovascular health, in contrast to "bad" LDL cholesterol.
The link between cholesterol and cardio vascular diseaseBlood lipids (or blood fats) are lipids in the blood, either free or bound to other molecules. They are mostly transported in a protein capsule, and the density of the lipids and type of protein determines the fate of the particle and its influence on metabolism. The concentration of blood lipids depends on intake and excretion from the intestine, and uptake and secretion from cells. Blood lipids are mainly fatty acids and cholesterol. Hyperlipidemia is the presence of elevated or abnormal levels of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood, and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The fate of cholesterol in the blood is highly determined by its constitution of lipoproteins, where some types favour transport towards body tissues and others towards the liver for excretion into the intestines.A closer look at cholesterolA closer look at cholesterol
Despite what you might hear, cholesterol itself isn’t bad. It’s one of the many substances created and used by your body to keep you healthy. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in your bloodstream and in your body’s cells. Cholesterol is used in the production of hormones and bile acids to help digest fat and build healthy cell membranes (walls) in the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. Your body naturally makes about 75% of its cholesterol, while 25% comes from the food you eat. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs; you don’t need to have cholesterol in your diet. As with most things in life, too much of some things is not good. Too much cholesterol can contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The connection with heart disease:
When there is too much cholesterol in the blood over time, the excess buildup—called plaque—can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can cause narrowing of the arteries, also referred to as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This is especially dangerous if the paths to the heart and brain are narrowed because that can create a major risk for heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. You have a greater risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis as your level of blood cholesterol increases. The most accurate test is a lipoprotein profile—a blood test done after 9 to 12 hours without eating or drinking anything. This profile gives: Total cholesterol
LDL (bad) cholesterol—this cholesterol is what’s deposited in your arteries and can become plaque.
HDL (good) cholesterol—this cholesterol helps keep plaque from building up in your arteries.
Triglycerides—these are another form of fat in your blood.
If you don’t get a lipoprotein profile, you can still get a rough idea of your cholesterol health just by knowing your total cholesterol or HDL (good) cholesterol.
Dr. Markowitz is a pediatrician with a base of 4500 children and has served as the Senior Pediatrician in a Private Pediatric Practice for 19 years. He received his medical degree, general Pediatric training, and pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut. Doctor Markowitz is on the medical advisory board for 4life research.
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