Cholesterol is one of the body's fats (lipids). Cholesterol and another lipid, triglyceride, are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy. To some extent, the Cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes Cholesterol in the liver. The Qi lever in your Liver and Kidneys.
Having too much Cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the major vascular systems.
For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of Cholesterol: a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL) and a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL).
HDL has a useful effect in reducing tissue Cholesterol and taking it back to the liver. HDL actually protects against atherosclerosis. LDL may contribute to diseases of the arteries (cardiovascular disease).
The proportion of LDL-Cholesterol to HDL-Cholesterol that influences the degree to which atherosclerosis is likely to cause problems (heart attack).
LDL-Cholesterol level can be lowered by eating a low fat diet and, if required, taking herbal medicine. HDL-Cholesterol level can be raised by exercising.
The significance of any particular Cholesterol level cannot be assessed without taking into account the ratio between good and bad Cholesterol (either total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio or LDL-Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol ratio) or the presence of other cardiovascular risks, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). It is possible for someone to have a high level of total Cholesterol and still have a relatively low cardiovascular risk because of an absence of other risk factors or because their family history is free from coronary disease.
Anyone with an established track record of cardiovascular disease such as angina pectoris, a previous myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery should seek advice to keep their Total Cholesterol level below 5.2mmol/l or their LDL below 3.2mmol/l.
Cholesterol levels can run in families. If the inherited Cholesterol levels are very high, this is called familial hypercholesterolaemia (hypercholesterolaemia (FH)) or familial combined hyperlipidemia(FCH) where the triglyceride levels are very high as well. Levels can also be influenced by the part of the world you live in: Cholesterol levels in northern European countries are higher than in southern Europe and much higher than in Asia. It is known that the relationship to food is significant, but there is no doubt that genes also play a part. High Cholesterol is also seen in connection with other diseases, such as reduced metabolism (due to thyroid hormone problems, for example), kidney diseases, diabetes and alcoholic's. |