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Cholesterol is a substance present in many body tissues. It is an essential nutrient necessary for healthy cell membranes, as well as synthesis of vitamin D and some hormones.It is made in the liver by digested fats and is carried out around the body through blood.Cholesterol is also present in food items.Our Cholesterol level is directly affected by our food diet.Since cholesterol is present in certain foods and is manufactured in the body from digested fats. High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with hardened arteries(atherosclerosis).
Cholesterol linked diseases
- Coronary Heart Disease
When Cholesterol is too high, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup (called plaque) causes hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis causes arteries to become narrowed, slowing blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood flow to the heart can result in angina (chest pain) or in a heart attack in cases when a blood vessel is blocked completely.
- Stroke
Stroke can result if the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or bursts.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- High Blood Pressure
Important FACT$ on Cholesterol
- Cholesterol level:
- The normal cholesterol level in our body is 3.6 to 7.8 m.mol/litre.
- Danger level
High cholesterol level figures are about 6 m.mol/litre.
- Presence of Cholesterol
Cholesterol in present in our blod and especially in our Brain.
- Two kinds of Cholesterol
There are two types of Cholesterol - good and bad.
- GOOD Cholesterol
Good kind of Cholesterol is called HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.
- Bad kind of Cholesterol
The bad kind of Cholesterol is called "bad" kind is called LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol