What’s the link between cholesterols level and heart disease?
It is a lipid that is present in every human cell with a crucial contributing factor to many bodily functions. It is needed for the synthesis of such materials as hormones, vitamin D, and some substances which take part in the digestion of fats – bile salts. Nonetheless, cholesterol plays variety of biological roles, but a high or low cholesterol levels are not without consequences, particularly to the heart.
Largely, high cholesterol is known to be a risk factor for heart diseases — an acknowledged leading cause of death globally. It is crucial to make a connection between cholesterol and cardiac health to avoid the development of new diseases. This article provides information on low-density, high-density cholesterol, and particle sizes, how all this affects the cardiovascular system, and why it is necessary to maintain good cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a yellowish substance which forms a part of the blood as well as of all the tissues of the body. There are two types of cholesterol; one is manufactured by the body, and the other is obtained from the foods we take, especially those that are animal products. Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by two types of lipoproteins: These are: the low density lipoprotein otherwise known as LDL and the high density lipoprotein commonly known as HDL. These two are usually called the “bad” cholesterol and the “good” cholesterol following their effect on the health of the heart.
- Low-density Lipoprotein-LDL: This cholesterol is credited as the bad cholesterol because it delivers cholesterol to the body cells from the liver. Where there is a high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood, the cholesterol deposits on the walls of the arteries form plaque. This plaque has the effect of – narrowing, as well as stiffening – the blood vessels, a process famously known as atherosclerosis – which basically increases the chances of developing heart diseases, heart attacks, as well as stroke.
- HDL or High Density Lipoprotein – This is referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol as it function is to retrieve cholesterol from the blood vessels bringing it back to the liver for processing. For a long time, high density lipo protein commonly referred to as HDL cholesterol was regarded as good cholesterol since; it has role in preventing accumulation of cholesterol, which causes heart ailments.
Cholesterol level 2 - Widely, the blood has cholesterol and fats known as triglycerides, which are used by the body to store any unused calories. High cholesterol, including triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, are also known to cause heart diseases.
How cholesterol contributes to the development of heart diseases.
The issues of cholesterol and their result in heart diseases relate to the formation of plaque – cholesterol and augmentation become fixed in the blood vessel. Its buildup results in the constriction of blood vessels and are used in arteriosclerosis, which entails the cutting down on space through which blood can flow to the heart as well as other significant parts of the body. This state is only known as atherosclerosis and it is the main cause of several cardiovascular issues like coronary artery disease, heart attack, and strokes.
Managing Cholesterol to Prevent Heart Disease
Another objective should be to keep cholesterol levels low so as not to cause heart diseases. Life style modifications, medications, and having periodic checks on cholesterol levels will go along way in preventing cardiovascular complications Ar. Below are key strategies for managing cholesterol:
- Dietary Changes
It is, therefore, very important to have a healthy diet as a method of controlling cholesterol sometime aggressively. There is the need to incorporate good fats foods, fiber, and antioxidant in the diet to assist in bringing down LDL cholesterol while at the same time increasing the HDL cholesterol.
- Reduce Saturated and Trans Fats: LDL cholesterol increases when one takes saturated fats, found in animal products such as red meat, and full-fat dairy products, or trans fats, processed foods. Incidently, if one drastically or completely cuts out these fats from their diet, then LDL cholesterol decreases and thus risks of heart diseases.
- Increase Fiber and Healthy Fats: Some types of carbohydrates such as soluble fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol since it has the ability to form a gel like structure that takes with cholesterol and out of the body. Unfortunately, high triglyceride levels are also associated with significantly increased dangers, but healthy fats, including olive and other vegetable oil, avocados, and other sources of omega 3 fatty acid such as salmon fish can help to increase the HDL cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
- Exercise
Cholesterol level can only be maintained through regular exercises. Most exercises are known to increase the level of HDL cholesterol while at the same time reducing the level of LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking, jogging, swimming for most part of the week.
- Medications
In case an individual is likely to high cholesterol or incorporates high risks of heart disease, then the doctor may prescribe the use of statins to reduce LDL cholesterol. Statins, therefore inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver since the body can only obtain cholesterol through food products. Other drug include ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are typically added to further lower cholesterol levels when needed.
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is also involved in reduction of High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol and augmenting the level of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. Smoking cessation is benefits in cholesterol levels and fewer chances of development of heart disease.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol in large proportions increases the triglycerides and therefore increases the chances of heart diseases. Reducing alcohol intake keeps a check on the cholesterol levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is defined by higher than average body weight and is characterized by high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. Skipping meals and avoiding fats decrease risk factors evident in heart problems such as high cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
It is a lipid substance that is essential for various body functions, but when lipid profile is expressed in the wrong way: high density LDL cholesterol and low density HDL cholesterol dramatically raises the risk of cardiac diseases. The development of atherosclerosis in which cholesterol forms plaques on arteries, causes blood vessels to narrow, high blood pressure, and increases the chances of heart attacks and strokes. But with right nutrition plan, drugs and constant check ups, one doesn’t have to let cholesterol levels harm him from inside and one can always rule out possibilities of heart problems. Cholesterol is related to cardiovascular health: knowing this is the first step towards preventing one’s heart and ensuring longevity.
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