Cholesterol is an organic compound that is required by the body as a building block to construct cell membranes, as well as hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. The liver produces around 80percent of the body’s cholesterol, and the remainder comes from food sources like eggs, meat, poultry or fish, as well as dairy products. The Riverside Nephrology Physicians provide the best nephrology physicians in USA. Plant-based foods do not contain cholesterol.
The bloodstream’s cholesterol content is controlled through the liver. After eating, the cholesterol consumed in the diet is absorbed into the small intestine, and then transformed into metabolites and stored in the liver. Because the body needs cholesterol, it can be released through the liver.
If too much cholesterol is present within our bodies, the cholesterol may accumulate in the form of plaque along the inner walls of arteries, leading them to shrink.
What are the various types of cholesterol?
Chart of LDL and HDL Cholesterol Numbers. Chart is courtesy of the National Institutes of Health. Cholesterol cannot move easily through blood vessels. Instead, it is bonded or transported by lipoproteins (lipo is a reference to fat) within the blood. There are three kinds of lipoproteins, which are classified by the amount of protein is present in relation to cholesterol levels.
Lipoproteins with low density (LDL) have a higher proportion of cholesterol to protein and are considered to be”the “bad” cholesterol. The elevated concentrations of LDL lipoprotein can increase the risk of developing heart stroke, heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. This is due to creating cholesterol plaques along the artery wall. As plaque build-up (plaque deposits) grows the artery becomes narrower (atherosclerosis) and blood flow is reduced. If the plaque breaks, it could create a blood clot that will form and block blood flow. This clot may be the reason of heart attacks or myocardial ischemia if the clot is found within one coronary artery within the heart.
HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. (HDL) consist of a higher amount of protein, and less cholesterol. They are generally considered to be “good” cholesterol. The more high your HDL ratio to LDL ratio the better for the individual as these ratios may be beneficial against stroke, heart disease and peripheral coronary artery disease.
Lipoproteins with a very low density (VLDL) have even lesser protein levels than those of LDL. VLDL as LDL has been linked to plaque deposits.
Triglycerides (a type of fat) may increase cholesterol-containing plaques if levels of LDL are high and HDL is low.
The total cholesterol score is the total of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and 20% of triglycerides measured by blood tests. A high score suggests an increased chance of developing strokes or cardiovascular diseases.
How can high cholesterol be dangerous?
The presence of elevated cholesterol levels is one of the riskiest causes of heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. The mechanism that causes cholesterol in all three conditions is the same: plaque buildup in arteries slows blood flow and affects the function of the organs and cells which these blood vessels provide.
Atherosclerotic heart diseases or narrowed coronary vessels in the heart could trigger symptoms of angina. It happens in which the heart muscle isn’t supplied with enough oxygen to perform its job.
The decreased blood flow to the brain might be caused by narrowed small arteries that run through the brain, or due to the fact that the carotid arteries that are larger in the neck could be blocked. This can lead to transient Ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
Peripheral arterial disease refers to the slow narrowing of the arteries which provide blood to the legs. When exercising, if the legs are not getting sufficient blood flow it is possible to experience pain and claudication.
Other arteries within the body can also be affected by the effects of plaque buildup , which can cause them to narrow. This includes mesenteric arteries leading to the intestine, and the renal arteries that connect to the kidney.
Where does cholesterol originate?
The liver is the organ responsible for controlling level of LDL within the body. It produces and releases LDL to the bloodstream. There are receptors in the cells of the liver which can “monitor” and try to modify to adjust the LDL levels. The Riverside Nephrology Physicians provide the best Transplant Coordinator in USA. But, if there are less liver cells, or if they don’t function properly and efficiently, the LDL levels may increase.
Genetics and diet both play an integral role in one’s cholesterol levels. There could be an inheritance predisposition to the condition known as familial high cholesterol (hyper=more means cholesterol and emia = blood) in which the amount of cells in the liver are insufficient and LDL levels increase, resulting in the possibility of atherosclerotic heart disease in an earlier age.
The cholesterol in the food chain originates from saturated fats present in eggs, meats as well as dairy items. Consuming too much can lead to LDL levels in blood to increase. Certain vegetable oils made of palm, coconut as well as cocoa, are rich in saturated fats.
What are the normal levels of cholesterol?
Blood tests are needed to assess total cholesterol as well as lipoproteins. For a thorough analysis of the lipoproteins patients should be fasting for at minimum 12 hours.
The National Cholesterol Education Program endorsed by the American Heart Association suggests the following risk guidelines for the levels of cholesterol total, HDL as well as LDL:
The aim is to help patients change their lifestyles and diet in order to keep blood cholesterol within the norm. It is crucial to keep in mind that HDL can protect patients from heart problems and may also be a therapeutic goal to boost a too low amount of HDL.
What foods can lower cholesterol levels?
The American Heart Association has developed guidelines for eating habits to reduce cholesterol levels. It might be difficult to understand the nutritional information on the food packaging as well as on menus at restaurants or to do the calculations, but the benefits is that it reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Limit your intake of fats by not more than 25% – 35 percent of your daily calories per day.
Limit your intake of saturated fat at less than 7 percent of your total daily calories.
Limit the intake of trans fats at a minimum of 1% your total daily calories.
The rest of the fat must be derived from monounsaturated as well as polyunsaturated fats. These can be found in unsalted seeds and nuts as well as fishing (especially oily fish such as trout, salmon and herring, at least two times each the week) as well as vegetable oils.
Limit the intake of cholesterol by consuming less than 300 mg per day for the majority of people. If you suffer from an underlying coronary heart condition or your LDL cholesterol is 100 mg/dL and higher reduce your cholesterol intake at not more than 200 milligrams per daily.
Certain food groups can aid in decreasing cholesterol levels. This includes the foods that contain plant sterols foods high in fiber, such as oatmeal, bran fruit like apples and pears. Also, fish, olive oil, and nuts. Certain of these food items like fruit and nuts are packed with calories, therefore it is recommended to consume them in moderation.
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