Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the name given to the lipids present in the blood vessels. It is manufactured by the liver and essential for good health, being the starting point of many hormones, and it is found in every cell (especially cell walls) in the body, especially the brain and nerves. Unfortunately in some people too much cholesterol is produced by the body, or consumed in the food we eat. Having a high cholesterol is not a disease, but it can lead to problems.

Cholesterol is transported around the body attached to proteins - called lipoproteins - There are two sorts: Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), it is mostly fat and it transports 80% of cholesterol, this is the one that sticks to blood vessel walls as plaques; and High Density (HDL), it is mostly protein and it transports 20% of cholesterol, it is also called "good cholesterol" as it reduces plaquing by taking cholesterol back to the liver. Raised cholesterol levels usually means the LDL are high and are deposited on the sides of the blood vessels - like the furring of pipes - also called atherosclerosis. This reduction in the diameter of the blood vessels can lead to angina (narrowing of blood vessels around the heart) or if a blot clot gets lodged and cuts off further blood supply it can have disastrous results - a heart attack, or stroke in the brain, or peripheral vascular disease eg in the leg leading to ulcers, infections and even gangrene if not treated.

The ratio of the LDL and HDL is important, having a high cholesterol that is mainly made up of HDL can be good as the cholesterol is not deposited but mopped up. So the aim is to reduce LDL and raise HDL. LDL can be reduced with a low fat diet, HDL can be raised by exercising.

Importance of HDL

The good cholesterol [HDL] prevents and reduces the build up of fat in your veins and arteries. You can increase you HDL by eating more foods high in omega fatty acids (fish) and eating less food high in saturated or hydrogenated fat. HDL will also increase if you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (5 portions per day). Regular aerobic exercise will also increase you HDL, as will moderate daily alcohol consumption.
If you are about to give up smoking you will be able to see your reduction in heart attack risk by monitoring your increase in HDL levels.

Finding out your cholesterol levels

Cholesterol testing, with results of Total Cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, Tri-glycerides and TC/HDL ratio is available at the Euston, Eastcote and Clerkenwell Branches of Green Light Pharmacy.

Related external Links

Less Cholesterol from pfizer

Cholesterol advice from BUPA

The LDX Analyser

The information given here is of a general nature, for particular information talk to your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have any other diseases, are taking other medicines, suffer other conditions or pregnant etc.