What
is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol
is a fatty substance that is made in the liver from the food we eat.
It is an essential compound in our body that is present in cell
membranes, hormones, the insulation of nerve fibres and the bile
acids that assist in digestion. But, too much cholesterol can be
harmful to our health as it tends to deposit in the blood vessels and
narrow them. This could lead to cardiovascular disease such as
angina, heart attacks, strokes or peripheral arterial disease.
We
differentiate two types of cholesterol:
- HDL:
High density lipoprotein is often called "good cholesterol" as
a raised HDL level reflects a good lifestyle.
- LDL:
Low density lipoprotein is often called "bad cholesterol" as a
raised LDL level increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Usually
high cholesterol is a consequence of a diet rich in saturated fat.
However, some people have high blood cholesterol even though they eat
a healthy diet. For example, they may have inherited a condition
called familial
hyperlipidaemia.
To
have good cholesterol levels you should reduce the amount of fat you
eat. Cut down on saturated fats (present in cakes, biscuits, cheese,
butter, cream, meat.) Choose unsaturated fats whenever possible
(present in vegetable oils, sunflower oil, nuts, avocado) and eat
oily fish regularly. Physical activity tends to increase your good
cholesterol level, which is a protective factor, so take plenty of
exercise as well.
Consult
your doctor if you:
- are
worried about your cholesterol level and want it assessed
- don't
have a balanced diet and want advice on how to improve it
- have
any questions regarding your lifestyle
- are
worried about developing cardiovascular disease.
At
Richmond Practice
we
offer essential
and comprehensive health checks
to assess your cholesterol levels, your cardiovascular
risks
and all other health concerns to guide you to a healthier lifestyle.
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