Cholesterol – Types, Prevention, Tests

HealthSquad July 13, 2023 Blogs

We have all heard about cholesterol. We all know it is not good for our body and we associate cholesterol with heart attack and other related diseases. Well, that’s only partially correct. That’s only one side of the coin. Did you know there are different types of cholesterol in our body? Well, let’s have a look.

Q: What is Cholesterol

A: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material present in our blood. It helps in the formation of cell membranes of cells in our body. It is also used by the body to form vitamin D and some hormones as well.

Q: What are the different types of cholesterol?

A: There are three types of cholesterol in the body. Low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).

Q: What is LDL cholesterol?

A: LDL is often known as bad cholesterol as high levels of LDL can result in accumulation on your artery walls and can narrow or even block the flow of blood. This accumulation is called atherosclerosis. It can result in blood clots or even a stroke.

Q: What is HDL cholesterol?

A: HDL is known as good cholesterol as it helps in removing the excess cholesterol in the blood. It transports the excess cholesterol to the liver and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Q: What causes high cholesterol levels?

A: High cholesterol levels can be caused by various factors, including an unhealthy diet high in saturated and Trans fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, certain medical conditions, and genetics.

Q: How can I manage my cholesterol levels?

A: A healthy lifestyle with exercise and a proper diet can help in managing cholesterol. Saturated fat should be avoided if the cholesterol levels are higher than normal. Diets having high levels of saturated fat are meat, dairy products, deep-fried food products, etc. They are all responsible for increasing the LDL levels in the body.

Daily Diet should include a lot of fruits and vegetables. Fish can also be included as it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Consumption of alcohol should be limited. No more than two drinks a day should be taken. Beer should be replaced by red wine.

Q: Can cholesterol be inherited?

A: Yes, genetics can play a role in high cholesterol levels. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition characterized by high LDL cholesterol levels, even in individuals who follow a healthy lifestyle.

Q: At what age should I start monitoring my cholesterol levels?

A: It is generally recommended to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly starting from the age of 20. However, if you have specific risk factors, such as a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, your healthcare provider may recommend earlier or more frequent testing.

Please note that while this information provides a general overview, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding your cholesterol levels and overall health.

Q: What are some foods that can help lower cholesterol levels?

A: Foods that can help lower cholesterol levels include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel. Additionally, foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols, such as certain margarines, can also be beneficial.

Q: Can exercise help improve cholesterol levels?

A: Yes, regular physical activity can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.

Q: Are there any medications available to lower cholesterol?

A: Yes, if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower cholesterol levels, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications work in different ways to help reduce cholesterol levels.

Q: Can I have cholesterol even if I eat a healthy diet?

A: Yes, it is possible to have high cholesterol levels even if you follow a healthy diet. While diet plays a significant role, factors such as genetics, age, and underlying medical conditions can also influence cholesterol levels.

Q: What are some risk factors for high cholesterol?

A: Risk factors for high cholesterol include a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, being overweight or obese, having diabetes, leading a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and having certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or kidney disease.

Q: How often should I get my cholesterol levels checked?

A: The frequency of cholesterol testing depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, and risk factors. Generally, it is recommended to have a complete lipid profile test every four to six years for adults. However, your healthcare provider may suggest more frequent testing if you have high cholesterol or other risk factors.

Q: Can children have high cholesterol?

A: Yes, children can have high cholesterol levels, especially if they have a family history of high cholesterol or certain medical conditions. It is important for children to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle to help manage cholesterol levels.

Q: What are the common blood tests for cholesterol?

A: Every adult over the age of 20 must get their cholesterol checked every 3 years. Lipid profile is provided by almost all the pathology labs and includes parameters like LDL, HDL, VLDL, non HDL, triglycerides, and ratios between above mentioned parameters. Fasting of 8-12 hours is required before taking this test. www.Healthsquad.in provides you with different NABL-certified lab options to choose from with the best price and timely report.