WEBMD – We may associate cholesterol with fatty foods, but most of the waxy substance is made by our own bodies.
The liver produces 75% of the cholesterol that circulates in our blood. The other 25% comes from food.
At normal levels, cholesterol actually plays an important role in helping cells do their jobs. But cholesterol levels are precariously high in nearly 94 million Americans.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. But it does cause damage deep within the body. Over time, too much cholesterol may lead to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries.
Known as atherosclerosis, this condition narrows the space available for blood flow and can trigger heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol is simple to detect, and there are many ways to bring it down.
Cholesterol Testing
People older than 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every four to six years. This is done with a simple blood test known as a fasting lipid profile.
It measures the different forms of cholesterol that are circulating in the blood after you avoid eating for nine to 12 hours. The results show your levels of “bad” cholesterol, “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Guidelines for cholesterol have changed over time. The most important factor is not necessarily measured by a number but your overall risk for heart disease and/or stroke.
‘Bad’ Cholesterol
Most of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by proteins called low density lipoproteins or LDL. This is known as bad cholesterol because it combines with other substances to clog the arteries. A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats tends to raise the level of LDL cholesterol. For most people, an LDL score below 100 is healthy, but people with heart disease may need to take medications to lower their LDL.
‘Good’ Cholesterol
Up to a third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoproteins or HDL. This is called good cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol, preventing it from building up inside the arteries.
The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. People with too little are more likely to develop heart disease. Eating healthy fats, such as olive oil, may help boost HDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol in Food
Cholesterol-rich foods, like eggs, shrimp, and lobster are no longer completely forbidden …
