Because of its reputation as a risk factor for heart disease, people tend to think of cholesterol only in negative terms. But cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and vital to the structure and function of all of your body's cells. Cholesterol also is a building block in the formation of certain types of hormones. Still, about half of American adults have blood cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable (hypercholesterolemia). If you're one of these people with this largely preventable condition, you may be on the way to heart disease. When the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, another blood fat, in your bloodstream become too high, your likelihood of developing cholesterol-containing fatty deposits (plaques) in your blood vessels increases. Over time, plaques lead to narrowing of arteries, impeding blood flow and creating a condition called atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the arteries around your heart (coronary artery disease) can prevent your heart from getting as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs. This means an increased risk of a heart attack. Likewise, decreased blood flow to your brain can cause a stroke, and less blood flowing to your lower limbs may result in exercise-related pain or even gangrene.
Causes of Fat - & Cholesterol-restricted Diet
To circulate in your blood, which is mainly water, cholesterol and triglycerides — a form of fat — must be carried by proteins called apoproteins. A lipoprotein is a combination of a lipid and an apoprotein. The main types of lipoproteins are: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This contains about 25 percent protein and 45 percent cholesterol. The cholesterol carried in LDL particles is known as LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol because it transports cholesterol to sites throughout your body, where it's either deposited or used to repair cell membranes. But like hard water causing lime to build up inside plumbing, LDL cholesterol promotes accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL). This contains almost 50 percent protein and 20 percent cholesterol. The cholesterol carried in HDL particles is known as HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps clear excess cholesterol from your body and is therefore sometimes called "good" cholesterol. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This type of lipoprotein contains mostly triglycerides and small amounts of protein and cholesterol. Having a low level of LDL cholesterol and a high level of HDL cholesterol is desirable for lowering your risk of developing plaques and coronary artery disease. You may have high LDL cholesterol as a result of genetic makeup or lifestyle choices, or both. Your genes can give you cells that don't remove LDL cholesterol from your blood efficiently or a liver that produces too much cholesterol as VLDL particles. Your genetic makeup can also result in too few HDL particles.
Signs and Symptoms of Fat - & Cholesterol-restricted Diet
The only way to find out if you have high blood cholesterol is by having a blood test.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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