Cholesterol, which is also known as the “bad cholesterol”, is a waxy, lipid-like substance produced by the liver. It’s an essential structural element of many animal cell membranes and is biosynthesis by all animal tissues. When cholesterol is not needed by the body it excreted through the excreting end of the liver. However, the amount in the blood is controlled by factors such as diet, activity, genetics and lifestyle. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to several health issues such as high blood pressure, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease.
The two types of cholesterol are classified as either low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often referred to as the “bad cholesterol” because it can deposit in plaques within the arterial walls, and because of this, it can cause blood clots that form and lead to cardiovascular disease. HDL, on the other hand, is called the “good cholesterol”. HDL carries cholesterol away from the body.
To reduce LDL levels, many health experts advise reducing your intake of foods high in cholesterol and substituting them for low-fat foods and cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. But it’s not just LDL that needs the doctor’s attention. Even those who do not have cardiovascular disease can benefit from lowering their total blood triglycerides (also known as Triglycerides) by engaging in a regular exercise program and making changes to their lifestyle. A few lifestyle changes include avoiding tobacco use, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
There are two ways to check your cholesterol numbers. The first involves medical procedures. Your physician can take blood tests and measure your level of total cholesterol, HDL levels, and triglyceride levels. Your doctor may also take tests that measure your levels of high-density lipoproteins, which are linked to dangerous blood clots. These are typically done at your annual visit.
If you have high cholesterol, the fatty deposits that can build up in your arteries are called atheromas. They are actually small sacs filled with fluid. The deposits tend to become larger and more intrusive as they fill up with more fat. As a result, the smaller, low-density lumps known as atheromas enlarge and grow into the actual structure of your arteries, blocking the necessary blood flow. If not caught in time, the buildup can eventually begin to impair the functioning of your heart and even block its exit from your body.
The second method used to check your cholesterol level involves using a specialized type of x-ray called angiography. An x-ray tube provides images of your body’s interior by using a powerful x-ray beam that emits short bursts of radiation. The x-ray beam will heat up the waxy substance inside your body; as it does, the material will become transparent. In the meantime, an electric current is passed through the radiation and causes the cholesterol in your body to break down into two molecules. Once broken down into two, these carbon-dioxide molecules attach themselves to the arterial walls and create a physical barrier.
Because these two methods of checking for high cholesterol are quite delicate, they must be operated in very controlled environments. In other words, you won’t be able to take your own blood pressure and undergo an angiogram without the supervision of a doctor. You can’t do this sort of testing at home, either. Your doctor will have to administer the x-rays and give you the medication to lower your blood pressure. In addition, if you have extremely high cholesterol and your LDL or bad cholesterol levels are dangerously high, you will have to undergo a heart stress test, too.
High cholesterol and coronary artery disease are both dangerous conditions that require immediate treatment. But even more urgent than immediate life-saving measures are prevention measures. If you can reduce your cholesterol level by 50 percent or more, you will dramatically reduce your risk of developing the conditions that are associated with high cholesterol. And the good news is, it doesn’t cost much money to get started. By eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, limiting your consumption of fried foods, and incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, you can greatly improve your health and your cholesterol level, too.