Can you explain cholesterol in simple terms?
Cholesterol is an important fat found in the blood and an essential component of cell membranes, nerve and brain cells and bile. The body needs cholesterol to produce vitamin D and a range of hormones which include testosterone, oestrogen and cortisol. We produces cholesterol in the liver but it is also absorbed through the digestive system from the food we eat. While some of the excess cholesterol is eliminated by the body in waste products, some stays in the blood stream causing problems when it builds up in the walls of arteries.
I've read there are different types of cholesterol. Can you tell me what these are?
For cholesterol to be transported around the body it is first coated in a layer of fat and protein called a lipoprotein. There are three types of lipoprotein: low-density, high-density and triglycerides.
Low-density lipoprotein, often called "bad" cholesterol, can build up in the arteries causing thick plaques to form which can eventually block the vessel. High levels of LDL cholesterol can be caused by a lack of exercise, a diet high in saturated fats or medical conditions such as diabetes.
High-density cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, is known as "good" cholesterol as it helps clear the arteries by removing high levels of LDL.
Having a high level of HDL in your system can reduce your risk of developing heart problems, while low levels can increase your risk. The third type of cholesterol is called triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can also increase your risk of heart disease.
What's a healthy level of cholesterol for someone like me? I'm a male, mid-40s, I don't smoke and I take regular exercise.
European guidelines have established the level of cholesterol to which an "average" person should aim. While your total cholesterol level should be 5.00 mmol/L or less, your LDL should ideally be 3.0 mmol/L or less. HDL levels should be 1.0 mmol/L or higher (1.2 or higher in women), with triglyceride levels of 1.7 mmol/L or less.
For those with a personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes or a lifestyle which increases your risk of developing cardiac problems, the guidelines recommend that you aim for a total cholesterol of 4.5mmol/L or less and an LDL level of 2.5 mmol/L or less.
If cholesterol levels are raised and do not respond to a diet lower in saturated fats and a regular exercise regime then medication to lower the levels will be required.