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Cholesterol Problems
Overview:
Cholesterol is a fat-related substance necessary for good health. It is a normal component of most body tissues, especially those of the brain, nervous system, liver and blood and is needed to form the sex and adrenal hormones, vitamin D and bile (a digestive secretion required for fat digestion). A high level of blood cholesterol, however, increases the likelihood of developing health problems such as heart disease.
Signs and Symptoms:
Cholesterol levels are measured by a simple blood test. Your healthcare professional can organise this for you, along with other measurements of your cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure testing.
There are five types of cholesterol, but it is the high density and low density cholesterol (HDL and LDL) that we need to look at more closely.
HDL has the ability to clear built-up cholesterol from the arteries and help in its removal from the body - sometimes people refer to it as the "good" cholesterol.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Cholesterol levels in the blood depend on both dietary factors and the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the body.
Approximately 75% of cholesterol is produced in the body and 25% is introduced via the diet.
As we age, cholesterol levels generally rise as the body increases production.
Risk Factor:
Certain factors, called coronary risk factors, increase your risk of a heart attack. These factors contribute to the unwanted buildup of deposits (atherosclerosis) that narrows arteries throughout your body, including arteries to your heart. Coronary risk factors include Tobacco smoke, High blood pressure, High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, Lack of physical activity, Obesity, Diabetes, Stress, Alcohol, Family history of heart attack and Homocysteine, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen
Treatment:
Regular aerobic exercise can be of benefit to those with high cholesterol levels. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional before commencing an exercise programme.
If you are overweight, talk to your healthcare professional about ways to address this.
Maintain a low-fat, high-fibre diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid meat products, aiming instead to use fish, legumes and grains as sources of protein.
Eating moderate amounts of such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados may actually lower LDL cholesterol and be protective against heart disease.
Use cold-pressed vegetable oils where possible as these contain more nutrients than the more processed oils. Always check an oil before using, and discard oil at the first sign of rancidity.
Other Information:
Remember that cholesterol is not a disease in itself, but a measurement of risk of developing heart disease. It is important to look at your cholesterol level in the context of other risk factors such as family history, body weight and cigarette smoking.
Reduce dietary sources of cholesterol and saturated fats to 20-30% of your daily calorie intake. This involves avoiding animal fats (meat and full-fat dairy products), increasing fish in your diet, and eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains, which are cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free, and rich in fibre.