Homepage
|
Lipitor
| About
Cholesterol
|
Cholesterol & the Body
|
Cholesterol & Triglycerides
|
Cholesterol & Dietary Fats
Cholesterol in Children
|
Cholesterol FAQs
|
Understanding Lipids
|
The Lipid Panel Test
|
Web Resources
Cholesterol
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is vital to the functioning of the human body. Cholesterol
is found in the bloodstream and within the body's cells, and is an
essential building block used by the body to produce both cell membranes
and hormones.
Too much cholesterol in the blood causes the excess cholesterol to settle on the inside of the blood vessels. As this happens over time, fatty deposits referred to as plaque build up and begin to clog the blood vessels, interfering with blood flow. The condition is known as hypercholesterolemia, and it puts those who suffer from it at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. This disorder increases the odds of experiencing circulation problems, strokes and heart attacks.
Cholesterol is in our body for two reasons. Firstly, the body makes some
of it (liver production), and secondly, it arrives into the body through
some of the food that we eat (dietary intake). The food containing
cholesterol includes animal products, such as meat, fish, poultry, butter,
cheese, eggs and milk. Food derived from plants, such as vegetables,
fruits and cereals do not have cholesterol. Importantly, foods that do not
contain animal products can contain trans fats. Trans fats cause the body
to store increased amounts of cholesterol. Foods that are high in
saturated fats can cause the body to make increased amounts of
cholesterol.
Cholesterol and other lipids (fats) cannot dissolve in blood, but instead
must be transferred to and from cells by carriers called lipoproteins.
Many kinds of lipoproteins exist; however, two kinds are of particular
importance. The first is low density lipoprotein (LDL), also referred to
as 'bad' cholesterol. The second is high density lipoprotein (HDL), also
called 'good' cholesterol. Unlike LDL, HDL is made by the body for it's
protection and travels away from the arteries.
Research has shown that
high levels of HDL/good cholesterol decrease the risk of heart attack.
Conversely, LDL, or bad cholesterol, clogs that arteries and thereby
increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Coronary arteries are those that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
When these arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis, they cannot
supply sufficient quantities of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.
Chest pain is the result of lack of oxygen (ischemia) to the heart muscle.
When a blood clot forms in the artery, heart attack - or the death of the
heart muscle, can result.
Coronary heart disease is atherosclerotic disease of the coronary arteries, and it is the most common cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease accounts for over 600,000 deaths of Americans every year.
Homepage
|
Lipitor
| About
Cholesterol
|
Cholesterol & the Body
|
Cholesterol & Triglycerides
|
Cholesterol & Dietary Fats
Cholesterol in Children
|
Cholesterol FAQs
|
Understanding Lipids
|
The Lipid Panel Test
|
Web Resources