Cholesterol Pamphlet
Blood Fat
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance necessary for cell health, but the human body only needs a small amount of it, which is produced in the liver. This substance plays a role in producing certain hormones and vitamin D. Excessive consumption of cholesterol sources leads to its accumulation in the bloodstream, settling in artery walls, forming plaques, and damaging them.
Cholesterol is the main cause of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). When this occurs in the heart’s arteries, it may lead to chest pain and heart attacks. If it happens in the brain’s blood vessels, it may cause a stroke, and in the leg arteries, it can result in peripheral artery disease.
To prevent these diseases, in addition to limiting excess cholesterol intake, blood pressure control is crucial.
For people with diabetes and cardiovascular issues, controlling cholesterol is very important. It is recommended to continue taking cholesterol-lowering medications even when cholesterol levels are within the normal range.
HDL or Good Cholesterol
This type of fat removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver, where it is sent to the intestines for excretion.
LDL or Bad Cholesterol
This type of cholesterol carries fat throughout the body, including artery walls, where excess cholesterol can accumulate and form plaques.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. The lower their level in blood tests, the better.
What Is a Normal Cholesterol Level?
The table below shows normal cholesterol levels in adults:
| Acceptable Levels | Type of Fat |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 mg/dl | Total Cholesterol |
| Less than 100 mg/dl | LDL (Bad Cholesterol) |
| 40 mg/dl or higher | HDL (Good Cholesterol) |
| Less than 150 mg/dl | Triglycerides |
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Although many preventive measures can be taken to reduce heart disease risk, some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as:
– Age over 45 for men
– Age over 55 for women
– Type 2 diabetes
– A family history of heart disease in first-degree relatives
Know Your Cholesterol Level
Remember, high cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Therefore, healthy individuals should get a full lipid profile at least every five years starting at age 20.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise increases HDL (good cholesterol) and reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day:
Walking is the best way to start.
Avoid Overeating
- Eat only enough to provide energy for daily activities. Limit sugar, sweets, white bread, and other refined carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid saturated and trans fats, as well as solid vegetable and animal fats.
Some sources of saturated and trans fats include fatty meats, butter, chicken skin, coconut oil, cheese, full-fat dairy, fried foods, fast food, and solid vegetable and animal fats.
Minimize Dietary Cholesterol Intake
- Cholesterol is found only in animal products. A single egg yolk contains about 200 mg of cholesterol. Limit consumption of animal organs such as liver, heart, kidney, and brain.
- Increase the intake of healthy fats from canola oil, olive oil, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole legumes.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
Consult Your Doctor
Your doctor may prescribe medication if necessary to lower your cholesterol.
A 1% decrease in LDL levels or a 1% increase in HDL levels can reduce the risk of heart attacks by 2-3%.
(Wishing you good health)
Farvardin Surgery Center