Cholesterol
Cholesterol Definition
Cholesterol aids in the production of vitamin D, a variety of hormones, and bile acids, which aid in fat digestion. Cholesterol, in proper amounts, is really required by the body to aid in the formation of new cells, allowing the body to operate normally. Aside from that, cholesterol is required for digestion, hormone synthesis, and vitamin D formation. When cholesterol levels are excessively high, it is harmful to the body since it may lead to a variety of illnesses and problems.
Protein transports cholesterol in the blood. A lipoprotein is a mixture of the two. Lipoproteins are classified into two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often known as bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol.
LDL's role is to carry cholesterol from the liver to the cells that require it. However, if the amount of cholesterol consumed exceeds the need, it might collect on the artery walls, causing illness. In the meantime, unlike LDL, HDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol back into the liver. Cholesterol is degraded or expelled by the body through feces or feces in the liver.
Each person's recommended blood cholesterol level differs. It is up to each individual to determine whether they are at a higher or lesser risk of getting vascular disease. In the meanwhile, blood tests can be used to measure the level or quantity of cholesterol in the blood.
If you have signs of being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other illnesses that might increase cholesterol levels, you should get your cholesterol levels checked.
If there are close relatives who suffer from cholesterol-related disorders, or if there is a family history of cardiovascular disease at a young age, a cholesterol level test is strongly advised.
This test is also advised for people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, a mild stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
The sufferer's risk additionally rises if he has hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease or stroke. High cholesterol can also be caused by a genetic (hereditary) disease known as familial hypercholesterolemia. Even if you follow a balanced diet and eat healthy foods, persons with this disease will have high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol Factors
Hypercholesterolemia, often known as high cholesterol, occurs when the quantity of cholesterol in the blood exceeds the usual threshold. High cholesterol levels can raise the chance of developing severe illnesses. Cholesterol is a waxy lipid molecule that is mostly generated in the liver and acquired in part from diet. Heart attacks and strokes, in general, are illnesses that lurk in persons with high cholesterol and are caused by excessive cholesterol accumulation in the blood arteries.
According to a 2011 WHO report, around 35% of the Indonesian population has cholesterol levels that are greater than the acceptable range for health. This means that one-third of Indonesia's population is at high risk of developing artery disease.
Excess cholesterol can be caused by eating high-cholesterol meals or a lack of activity; however, genetics can also be a source of cholesterol.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
When there is deposition on the artery walls as a result of high cholesterol levels, blood flow in the heart, brain, and other areas of the body might be obstructed. High cholesterol raises a person's chance of artery narrowing, also known as atherosclerosis, blood clots in certain body areas, mild strokes, strokes, and heart attacks.
High cholesterol can also produce pain in the front of the chest or in the arms (angina) when a person is stressed or undertaking vigorous physical activity. High cholesterol also raises the risk of coronary heart disease.
People with high cholesterol are more likely to have a stroke or heart disease if they do not modify their diet or stop smoking. Acrolein is a chemical found in cigarettes. This chemical has the ability to inhibit the function of good cholesterol, or HDL, in transporting fat deposits to the liver. As a result, artery narrowing, often known as atherosclerosis, might occur.
Diagnosis of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is diagnosed based on the results of blood tests and a physical assessment of the patient's symptoms. A doctor will also conduct a family history examination. This is done to see whether there are any other medical issues causing high cholesterol levels in the blood.
A lipid panel is a basic blood test used to assess cholesterol levels. This test may be used to determine total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Your doctor will take a blood sample to perform this test. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis by the doctor. When the results of the tests come in, the doctor will inform you if your cholesterol or triglyceride levels are abnormally high.
Your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for at least the preceding 12 hours before undergoing a lipid panel.
Treatment for High Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels may be decreased and the danger of heart disease minimized; thus, you should visit a doctor on a regular basis to avoid these risks. A doctor will generally prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications as treatment.
Preventing High Cholesterol
One of the most important actions you can take to avoid or decrease cholesterol levels is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Dietary fat should be kept to a minimum. Replace high-saturated-fat foods with fruits and vegetables, as well as entire grains (eg, whole wheat bread). As a result, the body's cholesterol levels will remain low. Smoking should be avoided in addition to a healthy diet and weight loss for people who are overweight.
When should you see a doctor?
If you've taken measures, but your cholesterol levels stay high for many days and are interfering with your activities, see a doctor right once. Faster therapy may assist to prevent the onset of more serious issues. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor right once.
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