Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance present into your bloodstream, produced by the liver, and naturally present in the bodies. It has a crucial role in various bodily functions, act as an essential component for every cell, contributing to the production of vitamin D and certain hormones, and forming a key constituent of bile.
The higher the level of cholesterol, the higher there will be risk of a stroke or heart attack. But it is not possible to tell about how high your cholesterol level is and so, it is important to get tested and know the numbers.
Can high cholesterol increase the risk of stroke and heart attack?
Having too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to accumulation of fatty material into your artery walls. This can cause a stroke or heart attack. This typically happens when a fragment of fatty material detaches, leading to the formation of a blood clot that could potentially obstruct the artery. When this occurs in an artery that provides blood to your heart, it results in a heart attack. Similarly, if it happens in an artery supplying your brain, it leads to a stroke.
What should you know when getting tested?
You need to conduct a cholesterol blood test if you have not been diagnosed with a long-term condition. If you are managing coronary heart disease, it is crucial to monitor your cholesterol levels under the guidance of your doctor. When you undergo testing, ensure to inquire about the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Regular cholesterol screenings play a vital role in maintaining heart health, and the expert medical professionals at Harley Street Medical Centre are here to assist you in managing your well-being.
What do all the terms mean?
Cholesterol levels differ though the lower the LDL and higher the HDL, the better it is going to be.
The two cholesterol types are: LDL, often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, known as ‘good’ cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells requiring it, which can potentially lead to the buildup of fatty substances within the walls of arteries. This happens when you have too much cholesterol in the blood which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. On the other hand, HDL carries cholesterol away from the cells back to your liver to get broken down and so, it is ‘good’ type of cholesterol.
HDL denotes high-density lipoprotein and LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are made up of fats and proteins. Unlike other fats, cholesterol does not dissolve easily in water and so, it travels through the blood with protein. There are other kinds of ‘bad’ cholesterol too and the level of non-HDL cholesterol is the total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol level. This is important as it measures all the ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Triglycerides represent another category of fats, and a blood lipid test examines the entirety of fats present in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are made naturally in the body by your liver and higher level increases your risk of getting circulatory and heart disease. They are present in different kinds of foods such as cooking oils, meats and dairy products.
What are normal cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol levels may differ from one person to the other. This means the lower the LDL and non-HDL, the better it is going to be and the higher the HDL, the better it will be. The blood check for cholesterol can be calculated in mmol/L which stands for millimoles for each litre. You need to talk to a doctor about the results and levels you should aim for. Know more about what the results mean, how the doctor works out your risk and when you may require taking medication.
- Total cholesterol should generally be 5mmol/L or below
- Total cholesterol to HDL ratio can be 6 or below
- Non-HDL or bad cholesterol should be 4mmol/L or below
- HDL or good cholesterol can be 1mmol/L or above
When should you worry about the cholesterol level?
There is not any level of cholesterol at which it is possible to say you will or will not get a heart attack. The doctors do not give advice or treatment on your cholesterol results alone unless you are having familial hypercholesterolemia. So, the higher numbers denote you are at greater risk. If you are not at higher risk, then the doctor checks your cholesterol with other possible risk factors such as body mass index, height and weight ratio, blood pressure and certain lifestyle factors including diet, physical activity and smoking.
What cholesterol level means you require medication?
The cholesterol levels may differ though the lower the LDL and higher the HDL, the better it will be. The decision about taking medications will depend on certain risk factors other than cholesterol. The risk assessment of cardiovascular disease will mean you have possible risk of getting stroke ir heart attack in the next 10 years.
If you know about your cholesterol levels and already developed heart disease, then taking statins can lessen the risk of a heart event, even though your cholesterol levels are not high.
Is it possible to control your cholesterol level with proper diet without medication?
You should eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils and beans to lower the level of cholesterol. You can also reduce the weight by avoiding certain foods which have high amount of saturated fat, staying active and quit the habit of smoking. It is necessary to know though certain lifestyle changes may help, you may still be asked to take your medications and keep cholesterol levels in control. Discuss with your doctor in the case you do not want to take the medication.
What has changed related to cholesterol?
People who have had a heart attack can lessen the risk of having another one by taking a statin. People who have not had a heart attack but are at greater risk of getting one can reduce their risk with a statin. Since you are aware about different types of ‘bad’ cholesterol, you will likely be informed about non-HDL cholesterol, than only LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Thus, you need to talk to a doctor when conducting blood tests for cholesterol and find out whether they are in control.
