Cholesterol to Atherosclerosis: A Case of Good Thing Gone Bad June 19
If we were to consider cholesterol as a substance independently, then we will come to the realization that cholesterol is needed by the body. It is basically a fatty substance, called a lipid, produced by the liver and found in food high in saturated fats, such as fatty meat and egg yolks. It is actually an essential part of the structure and functioning of the cells.
So, why is it always associated with illness and things that are bad for the health? This is another case of anything in excess becomes harmful, even if inherently good. Cholesterol, while generally an important part of the body, can become harmful if there is too much of it in the body. The inability to control the rise of cholesterol levels in the blood may lead to a serious heart condition known as atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol levels in the blood may be determined by the kind of lifestyle a person leads. The normal culprits that contribute to a rise in cholesterol levels are eating food that is high in fat while at the same time failing to engage in enough exercise or physical activity. For some people, however, the problem is more genetic than it its environmental; there are people who are genetically pre-disposed to high blood cholesterol levels. This means that even if they lead healthy lifestyles – exercising regularly and eating healthy – they might still find suffer from elevated cholesterol levels.
While it is a given that everyone should effectively manage their cholesterol levels, there are certain people who should be more careful than others, such as those with a family history of early heart disease, those with high blood pressure, patients with diabetes and smokers. Your cholesterol levels along with your overall health profile will serve as your and your physician’s guide towards arriving at an appropriate cholesterol management plan for you.
High cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in the levels of LDL, or what is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. This type of cholesterol contributes to the build up of plaque in the arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis.
Tags: bad cholesterol, cholesterol monitoring, cholesterol testing, good cholesterol