Understanding Cholesterol and Tryglercide

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all the cells of you body. It is a normal part of the makeup of your body. The body uses cholesterol to produce cell membranes and some hormones. It also has other functions, but too much cholesterol can also cause serious problems. It can put the body at risk for coronary heart disease and heart attack. High levels of cholesterol, better known as hypercholesterolemia, may also put the body at risk for stroke.

How does the body get cholesterol?

You get cholesterol two ways. Your body produces it naturally, based on heredity and the rest comes from cholesterol in animal products that you eat. These sources include such things as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk. Food from plant sources does not contain cholesterol. Some foods that do not contain animal products may contain trans fats which also can cause the body to produce more cholesterol. Foods that contain saturated fats also increase cholesterol production. It is important to read food ingredient labels.

Why is high cholesterol a problem?

The body cannot dissolve fats and cholesterol. They have to be transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. Two kinds of lipoproteins are important to know about:

LDL Cholesterol

One is Low-density lipoprotein or LDL; it is also know as the "bad cholesterol". Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries thus increasing your risk for stroke and/or heart attack. (click to see Heart Attack video) Goal levels for LDL cholesterol vary depending on the presense of other risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL is the optimal level. Less than 130 mg/dL near optimal for most people. A high LDL level (more than 160 mg/dL or 130 mg/dL or above if you have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease) reflects an increased risk of heart disease.

HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known a the " good cholesterol". Your body makes HDL for your protection. It carries cholesterol away from your arteries. Current research suggest that high levels of HDL cholesterol reduce your risk for heart attack. Low HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dL) increase the risk for heart disease.

Triglyceride

Triglyceride is a form of fat. It also comes from food and is manufactured by your body based on heredity. People with high trilglycerides often have a high total cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level. Many people with heart disease also have high triglyceride levels. People with diabetes or who are obese are also likely to have high triglycerides. Trigycleride levels of less than 150 mg/dL are normal; levels from 150-199 mg/dL are borderline high. Levels that are borderline high or high (200-499 mg/dL) may need treatment in some people. Triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or above are very high. Doctors need tore treat high triglycerides in people who also have high LDL cholesterol levels.