High
cholesterol
Cholesterol
is a substance whose function is essential for the body. Actually, this
substance is a fatty substance known as a lipid. The major manufacturers of
these substances is breathtaking, but lipids could also come from food. Lipid
levels were too high, is called hyperlipidemia, can affect health conditions.
Although high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms, but can still be dangerous
to health.
Proteins
contain and bring in cholesterol in the blood. The combination of these two
substances called lipoproteins. Liporotein divided into two, namely the
protective lipoprotein or good cholesterol (HDL) and lipoprotein dangerous or
bad cholesterol (LDL).
HDL
or high density lipoprotein HDL is called good cholesterol because it
transports cholesterol from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver,
cholesterol will be destroyed or removed by the body through feces.
While
LDL or low density lipoprotein is the opposite of HDL. LDL transports
cholesterol from the liver to the cells that need them. If they exceed the
amount of cholesterol is needed, then the cholesterol it will settle on the
walls of arteries and cause disease. LDL is known as bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol
levels in the blood suggested could vary, depending on whether the person has a
higher risk or lower for peripheral artery disease. The amount of cholesterol
in the blood can be measured by a blood test.
According
to WHO data, about 35% of Indonesia's population have higher cholesterol than
normal.
The
impact and causes of high cholesterol
Cholesterol
can be deposited on the walls of the arteries, blood flow in the heart, brain,
and other body parts could be hampered. So high cholesterol increases one's
risk of narrowing of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, blood clots in certain
parts of the body, stroke, both small and great, and heart attacks.
High
cholesterol levels can also cause pain in the front of the chest or the arm
(angina) when a person is stressed or perform physical activities. Besides high
cholesterol also increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease.
If
you do not change your diet and stop smoking, high cholesterol patients will be
at risk of stroke or heart disease. At cigarettes found a chemical called
acrolein. These substances can stop the activity of good cholesterol or HDL to
transport fat to the liver. The result can occur narrowing of the arteries or
atherosclerosis.
In
addition, a person's risk also increases if he is suffering from hypertension,
diabetes, or have relatives who suffer from heart disease or stroke.
High
cholesterol can also be caused by a condition that comes from the descendants
of the so-called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). Cholesterol levels are
high, even people with this condition have been eating healthy foods.
We
recommend that you perform the checks cholesterol levels
Someone
suggested checks cholesterol levels in the blood if she is overweight, have
high blood pressure, diabetes diseased, or have other illnesses that may
increase cholesterol levels.
Diagnosis
cholesterol levels is also recommended if a person has close relatives who
suffer from the disease due to high cholesterol, or a close relative who had a
history of cardiovascular disease at an early age.
For
those who've been diagnosed to have coronary heart disease, minor stroke, or
peripheral arterial disease would be well advised to do these checks.
How
to prevent or reduce levels of cholesterol
Eating
a balanced healthy nutritious foods is a major step that can be done to prevent
or reduce cholesterol. The fat content in the diet should be low. Try to
replace the consumption of foods containing saturated fats with fruits and
vegetables, and whole grains (cereal grain). By doing so, the cholesterol
levels in the body will remain low.
Healthy
lifestyle can also leave a big change. An example is by not smoking or
immediately begin to exercise regularly.
If
the suggestions above have not been able to lower your cholesterol levels and
heart disease risk still lurk, you should consult a doctor. Doctors will
usually do give you a prescription treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs
such as statins.
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