Cholesterol Management - What it is Show
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is either produced by the body or derived from food. It is necessary for the body to function normally and is used to build cell membranes,
however, only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood is required to meet the body’s needs. Cholesterol is carried through one’s bloodstream by special proteins called lipoproteins, which can be divided into two categories. The two types of lipoproteins are:
The goal of good cholesterol management is to keep your total cholesterol level as low as possible, because any excess cholesterol in the blood may be deposited in the arteries, including the heart’s coronary arteries.
This build-up causes the arteries to harden and narrow (atherosclerosis), thus reducing blood flow to the heart. If insufficient blood and oxygen are delivered to the heart, one may experience chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, a
heart attack may occur. Cholesterol Management - SymptomsCholesterol Management - How to prevent?Cholesterol Management - Causes and Risk FactorsThere are several common causes and risk factors which can increase your cholesterol levels. These risk factors can be split into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol levels include:
Non-modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol levels include:
Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, those who are above the age of 40 or have greater risks of developing high cholesterol should check their cholesterol levels regularly to reduce their susceptibility to Cholesterol Management - DiagnosisCholesterol Management - TreatmentsCholesterol Management - Preparing for surgeryCholesterol Management - Post-surgery careCholesterol Management - Other InformationClassifying cholesterol levelsIt is important to check your cholesterol levels regularly especially if you have any risk factors. If your total cholesterol level
is between 5.2 and 6.1mmol/L, you are at a higher risk for coronary artery disease. If your total cholesterol level registers at 6.2 mmol/L and above, you have hypercholesterolaemia, which is attributable to genetic factors, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and poor eating
habits. The desirable level of LDL cholesterol depends on your pre-existing risk for coronary heart disease. If you already have coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes, you are in the high-risk group and there is a stringent limit on the acceptable level of LDL cholesterol. Conversely, if you have none or only one of the risk factors, a higher value of LDL cholesterol is acceptable before medical intervention. HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease, hence a higher HDL cholesterol level is considered better. A HDL cholesterol level that is less than 1.0 mmol/L is considered to be low and the patient is thus at risk of developing heart disease. High levels of triglyceride also put you at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated triglyceride levels are more common in people who are obese or in those with poorly controlled diabetes. As you get older and more overweight, your triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to increase. Classification of Total, LDL and HDL Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
HDL=high-density lipoprotein; LDL=low-density lipoprotein Source: MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 2/2006 Managing high cholesterolA combination of lifestyle changes and medication should effectively bring one’s cholesterol levels under control. 1) Lifestyle changes Lifestyle changes are usually the first strategies for preventing high cholesterol.
Recommended servings for various types of food (Click to expand)
2) MedicationMedications might be prescribed if one still has high cholesterol after making lifestyle modifications. Medications are prescribed in consideration of the patient’s risk factors and generally aim to:
Patients should take their medication regularly according to the prescription given and let their doctor know if they experience any side effects. It is advisable not to stop medication without checking with your care team. What happens if HDL cholesterol is low?Having low levels of HDL cholesterol can be of more concern, as it can indicate that the person is at risk of developing heart disease. Low levels can occur due to : genetic factors. type 2 diabetes.
What should I do if my good cholesterol is low?5 Ways to Raise Your HDL Cholesterol. Get active. Physical activity can boost your HDL level. ... . Lose extra weight. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds can help raise your HDL levels, as well as cut your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.. Choose better fats. ... . Alcohol in moderation. ... . Stop smoking.. What causes HDL to be low?Smoking, carrying too many pounds, and lack of physical activity tend to lower HDL. So does a diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugars, etc.). Medications such as beta blockers, anabolic steroids, progestins, and benzodiazepines can also depress HDL.
Is it good to have low good cholesterol?For HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, higher levels are better. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
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