By Jan Pascal
Kolesterol it is created by our hearts, but we also can get the food we eat – animal products such as meat, milk fat, and egg yolks. Cholesterol is needed to make hormones and vitamin D. But cholesterol can also contribute to plaque formation in our arteries, a process called atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease.
To understand how cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease, we must first understand where it is present and how it is carried around our bodies. Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are special proteins that two types that are important in the transport of cholesterol. High density lipoprotein (HDL) transport cholesterol from blood vessels (good for us), whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can penetrate the walls of our blood vessels, cholesterol deposits and forms plaques (bad for us).
There are also other types of lipoproteins such as very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which is similar to the low-density lipoprotein, but can more easily penetrate the walls of our blood vessels; medium-density lipoprotein (IDL), such as lipoprotein very-low-density, also carry triglycerides and cholesterol; and chylomicrons that carry only a fraction of cholesterol and most rich in triglycerides (another type of fat).
High levels of LDL, IDL and VLDL lipoproteins contribute to increased risk of heart attack due to the type of lipoprotein is actually harmful to the arteries. On the other hand, higher levels of lipoprotein HDL reduces the risk of heart attacks because these lipoproteins transport cholesterol away from the blood stream.
To keep cholesterol at safe levels we need to focus on reducing LDL while raising HDL. This can usually be done by keeping what kind of food we eat. To find out if we need to regulate cholesterol levels we first have to measure it. For people older than 20 years are advised to test cholesterol every 5 years and adults over 45 years old should have a cholesterol test every few years.
The level of cholesterol in our blood is determined by a blood test. This can be done clinically or at home. There are many home cholesterol test kit is available. The level of cholesterol in our blood is measured in mmol / l. It is important to measure both types, LDL and HDL, as their ratio is also important – LDL to HDL ratio should be less than 4. Sometimes also the ratio of cholesterol / HDL calculated. It is determined by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol levels and for most people this ratio should be below 5: 1 ratio cholesterol / HDL ideal is below 3.5: 1.
Normal cholesterol levels are as follows:
Total cholesterol: less than 5.5 mmol / l
LDL levels: less than 3.5 mmol / l
HDL levels: greater than 1.0 mmol / l
LDL to HDL ratio: less than 4
Triglyceride level: less than 2.0 mmol / l
Cholesterol levels can be lowered naturally. Foods rich in soluble fiber such as fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and apples, has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding to the fibers and thus preventing it from being absorbed into the body. Patients who have not improved their cholesterol levels in a natural way as with changes in diet and lifestyle can use cholesterol medication to regulate their cholesterol levels.
Even when cholesterol testing done by trained professionals in the laboratory, there can be significant variability in test results. Variability may be greater with the home cholesterol test kits, especially if we do not fast when we take the test. Cholesterol home test kits are widely available. They are practical, we can easily determine total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in a few minutes. However, we must also be aware of the accuracy of the test house. Usually at least 95% but may vary. And we must also remember that the home cholesterol test does not replace clinical cholesterol tests – also does not offer an overall assessment of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
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