What is Cholesterol and its Functions (how Work), types ,causes,treatments for high cholesterol , The Symptoms of high cholesterol, Lifestyle causes?

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What is Cholesterol ?

Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) which is produced by the liver and is crucial for normal body functioning. Cholesterol is found in many foods, but we donot require it in our diet because the body can synthesize all we need. Cholesterol exists in the outer laver of every cell in our body and has many functions. It is a waxy steroid and is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. It is the main sterol synthesized by animals - small amounts are also Synthesized in plants and fungi. The word “cholesterol" comes from the Greek word chole, meaning “bile”, and the Greek word stereos, meaning “solid, stiff”. 

Functions of cholesterol (How It works in our Body ?)

1. It builds and maintains cell membranes (outer layer), it prevents crystallization of hydrocarbons in the membrane. 

2. It is essential for determining, which molecules can pass into the cell and which cannot (cell membrane permeability) .

3.  It is involved in the production of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) .

4.  It is essential for the production of hormones released by the adrenal glandsgiikz| (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, others) .

5.  It aids in the production of bile .

6.  It is important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K .

7. It insulates nerve fibers .

8. It converts sunshine to vitamin D .


Lipoproteins( What is Lipoproteins and how many types of Lipoproteins )

Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is any complex or compound containing both lipid (fat) and protein. 

The three(3) main types of lipoproteins are:

LDL (low density lipoprotein) - People often refer to it as bad cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. If too much is carried, too much for the cells to use, there can be a harmful buildup of LDL. This lipoprotein can increase the risk of arterial disease if levels rise too high. Most human blood contains approximately 70% LDL - this may vary, depending on the person. 

HDL (high density lipoprotein) - People often refer to it as good cholesterol. Experts say HDL . prevents arterial disease. HDL does the opposite of LDL. HDL takes the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver it is either broken down or expelled from the body as waste. 

 Triglycerides - These are the chemical forms in which most fat exists in the body, as well as in food. They are present in blood plasma. Triglycerides, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids (blood fat). Triglycerides in plasma originate either from fats in our food, or are made in the body from other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. Calories that we consume but are not used immediately by our tissues are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. When your body needs energy and there is no food as an energy source, triglycerides will be released from fat cells and used as energy - hormones control this process. 


 What are the Normal cholesterol levels  in Human body ?

    The amount of cholesterol in human blood can vary from 3.6 mmol/liter to 7.8 mmol/liter. The National Health Service (NHS), UK, says that any reading over 6 mmol/liter is high, and will significantly raise the risk of arterial disease. The UK Department of Health recommends a target cholesterol level of under 5 mmo/liter. Unfortunately, two-thirds of all UK adults have a total cholesterol level of at least five (average men 5.5, average women 5.6). 


Below is a list of cholesterol levels and how most doctors would categorize them in mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter) and Smmol/liter (millimoles/Aiter). 

Desirable - Less than 200 mg/dL Bordeline high - 200 to 239 mg/dL High - 240 mg/dL and above Optimum level: less than mmol/liter 

Mildly high cholesterol level: between 5 to 6.4mmol/liter Moderately 

high cholesterol level: between 6.5 to 7.8mmol/liter 

Very high cholesterol level: above 7.8mmol/ liter 


What are the Dangers of high cholesterol levels: 

What are the damages High cholesterol levels can cause: 

    Atherosclerosis - A diet high in cholestero} can lead to high levels of cholesterol in the blood stream. This excess cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of arteries, restricting the flow of blood. This disease of the circulatory system is called narrowing of the arteries. 

    Higher coronary heart disease risk - An abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. 

    Heart attack - Occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This causes your heart muscle to die. 

    Angina - Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. 

    Other cardiovascular conditions - Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. 

    Stroke and mini-stroke - Occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein, interrupting the flow to an area of the brain. It may also occur when a blood vessel breaks and Brain cells begin to die. 


What causes high cholesterol in Our Body? 

Generally one can't pick a single reason why cholesterol levels rise or fall. If high cholesterol runs in family, it is likely to be a major contributor to the sensitivity of changes in levels of cholesterol. Lifestyle habits like eating unhealthy, excessive drinking, smoking, and inactivity can raise cholesterol levels. Different people have different sensitivity to cholesterol; for some high cholesterol diet can increase their LDL and total cholesterol level much more significantly compared to others. 

Lifestyle causes : 

1. Nutrition : Although some foods contain cholesterol, such as eggs and some sea foods, dietary cholesterol does not have much impact in human blood cholesterol levels. However, foods high in saturated fats including red meat, some pies, sausages, hard cheese, lard, pastry, cakes, most biscuits, and cream (there are many more) can increase cholesterol level significantly. 

2. Sedentary lifestyle : People who do not exercise and spend most of their time sitting/lying down have significantly higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol). 


3. Bodyweight : People who are overweight/obese are much more likely to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels, compared to people who are of normal weight. 

4. Smoking : This can have quite a considerable effect on LDL levels. 

5. Alcohol : People who consume too much alcohol regularly, generally have much higher levels of LDL and much lower levels of HDL, compared to people who abstain or those who drink in moderation. 

Determination of Cholesterol level: 

        Cholesterol levels may be measured by means of a simple blood test. It is important not to eat anything for at least 12 hours before the blood sample is taken. The blood sample can be obtained with a syringe, or just by pricking the patient's finger. 

        The blood sample will be tested for LDL and HDL levels, as well as blood triglyceride levels. The units are measure in mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter) or 5mmol/iter (millimoles/liter). 

 What are the treatments for high cholesterol?

     Lifestyle : 

        Most people, especially those whose only risk factor has been lifestyle, can generally get their cholesterol and triglyceride levels back to normal by: Doing plenty of exercise, Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oats, good quality fats, Avoiding foods with saturated fats , Getting plenty of sleep (8 hours each night), Bringing your body weight back to normal , Avoiding alcohol, Stopping smoking,.

Cholesterol - controlling medications

If cholesterol levels are still high after doing everything mentioned above, medicines may be used in order to cholesterol level. They may include the following: --


1. Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) - These block an enzyme in liver that produces cholesterol. The aim here is to reduce cholesterol levels to under 4 mmol/liter and under 2 mmol/liter for LDL. Statins are useful for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Side effects can include constipation, headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin are examples of statins. 

2. Aspirin - Patients under 16 years of age should not use this medicine.. 

3. Niacin - It is a vitaminB that exists in various foods. Niacin brings down both LDL and HDL levels. 


What are The Symptoms of high cholesterol (bypercholesterolaemia) 

Symptoms of high cholesterol do not exist alone in a way a patient or doctor can identify by touch or sight. Symptoms of high cholesterol are revealed if you have the symptoms of atherosclerosis, acommon consequence of having high cholesterol levels. These can include: 

Leg pain when exercising - this ts because the arteries that supply the legs have narrowed. 

Blood clots and ruptured blood vessels - these can cause a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke). 


Ruptured plaques - this can lead to coronary thrombosis (a clot forming in one of the arteries that delivers blood to the heart). If this causes significant damage to heart muscle it could cause heart failure. 


Xanthomas - thick yellow patches on the skin, especially around the eyes. They are, in fact, deposits of cholesterol. This is commonly seen among people who have inherited high cholesterol susceptibility (familial or inherited hypercholesterolemia). 

    Thus, it can be concluded that the higher the level of LDL cholesterof in your blood, the GREATER your chance is of getting heart disease. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood, the LOWER your chance is of getting heart disease.


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