Lipids & Cholesterol Disorders

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and acquired from some foods. The body needs cholesterol to maintain healthy cells and produce vitamin D and hormones to keep the bones, teeth, and muscle healthy. Cholesterol is also required to produce bile to digest fats. It is also essential to the brain, nerves, and skin.

Triglycerides are another type of fat that is derived from meals. After a meal, the fat in the food is broken down into triglycerides. On absorption, cholesterol becomes lipids, and then combine and travel with triglycerides as lipoproteins (lipids plus proteins) around the body. The different types of lipoprotein are LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein).

LDL is often called bad cholesterol because the cholesterol level is high, and when in excess, can build up and clog the arteries. HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is the other type of lipoprotein. HDL is often called good cholesterol because it contains more protein and little cholesterol. HDL helps to maintain a balance in the body's cholesterol levels. There are other types of lipoprotein.

High Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol (LDL) is caused by diets that are high in saturated fat. Other causes of LDL are obesity, overuse of alcohol, a family history of the condition, diabetes, birth control pills, and other factors. Treatment or ways to lower cholesterol involves medication, lifestyle changes, and exercise.

High Triglycerides

As with high cholesterol, high triglycerides are caused by high-fat diets, certain medical conditions, lack of exercise, medication, and genetics. Symptoms usually don't appear. Thus, regular tests are essential. Treatment of the condition also involves medication and lifestyle changes.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are usually classified into two categories, modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors are factors that are controllable with lifestyle and behaviour changes. Non-modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors are those that cannot be controlled, example, genetics, age, and sex (males are at higher risk).

 A person with a family history of hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes has a higher chance of developing the same conditions. And this can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Leading a healthy lifestyle is recommended to help reduce the risk factor.