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. Can you be healthy with high cholesterol?We all need some cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, but too much can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Anyone can have high cholesterol, even if you are young, slim, eat well and exercise. That's because high cholesterol can be caused by different things, including your genes.
When should you worry about high cholesterol?A person is considered at high risk for developing heart disease if their total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
How do you get your cholesterol down?A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health:. Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol. ... . Eliminate trans fats. ... . Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ... . Increase soluble fiber. ... . Add whey protein.. What should I do if my cholesterol is high?High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. It's mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families. You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise.
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