What Is Cholesterol And Why Is It Important?

Types of cholesterol and their ratio in the human body. The effect of cholesterol on the risk of heart disease.

In order to determine the risk of heart disease, the doctor needs to determine the ratio of bad and good cholesterol in the human body.

The ratio of good and bad cholesterol

Specialists calculate a person's cholesterol ratio by dividing the total by the level of high-density lipoproteins. The optimal ratio is from 3.5 to 1. A higher ratio increases the risk of heart disease.

A doctor can determine the level of "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the body using a blood test.

Total cholesterol includes:

1. High-density lipoproteins, or HDL, are considered "good" cholesterol. They make up 20-30 percent of a person's total cholesterol level.
2. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, are considered "bad" cholesterol and make up 60-70 percent of the total in the body.
3. Finally, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) are the precursors of LDLs and make up about 10-15 percent of a person's total cholesterol.

The importance of these indicators cannot be underestimated, as they affect the chances of developing heart disease in a person.

If a blood test shows a high level of total cholesterol, this may indicate elevated LDL cholesterol. To determine accurately, the doctor needs to separately analyze the levels of HDL, LDL, and VLDL in the blood.

A normal ratio of cholesterol means that the body is healthy and working normally.

The following cholesterol levels indicate different levels of heart disease risk:

In men

• 5.0 = medium risk
• 3.4 = practically average risk
• 9.6 = twice the average risk

In women

• 4.4 = medium risk
• 3.3 = practically average risk
• 7.0 = twice the average risk

In the same blood test of a woman and a man, the average level of HDL, LDL, and VLDL may differ. For example, women in menopause have a higher level of LDL.

Women were less susceptible to the effects of bad cholesterol. The recommended HDL level for them is 50, while it is 40 for men.

How does cholesterol affect the body?

Cholesterol is found in meat and dairy products, so people who eat animal products may complain of elevated cholesterol levels.

 

Normal cholesterol levels in the body help maintain the necessary supply of vitamin D and hormones, and also help digestion.

By the way, the liver can also produce cholesterol, but only if your diet is rich in foods with a high content of fats and trans fats. Having elevated LDL cholesterol from trans and saturated fats increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

LDL cholesterol causes a build-up of a substance that forms plaque on the walls of arteries, leading to a disease known as atherosclerosis. Of course, this is harmful to the heart and the body as a whole. This condition slows the flow of blood to the heart muscle and can block blood from entering the heart, which increases the risk of a heart attack.

Cholesterol Control Tips

The ratio of good and bad cholesterol in the body can be controlled. There are several ways to lower bad cholesterol. And here are some of them

• Diet. Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and carbohydrates raise cholesterol, so limiting consumption of these foods will help lower bad cholesterol.
• Weight. Many risks are associated with being overweight or obese. A normal weight is the key to reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Exercise: Being active for 30 minutes a day increases heart rate, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.