Advertisements, diet plans, and the news all discuss cholesterol. However, what precisely is it? Our bodies contain a form of fat called cholesterol. It aids in the production of hormones, food digestion, and cell growth, among other functions.
Although our bodies require cholesterol to operate correctly, having too much of it can be harmful. High cholesterol can lead to major blood problems, such as clots, as well as heart and brain disorders. For your benefit, MedlinePlus has added additional health topic articles on cholesterol, such as “How to Lower Cholesterol with Diet,” to assist you in understanding and managing cholesterol levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and MedlinePlus have provided advice in this Q&A. What constitutes healthy cholesterol?
Lipids can be broadly classified as “good” or “bad.” HDL cholesterol is another name for “good” cholesterol. It’s considered “good” since it eliminates cholesterol from your body by transporting it from the blood and tissues to the liver. Your risk of heart disease is increased if your HDL cholesterol level is low. Bad cholesterol: what is it? LDL transports cholesterol to many tissues, including the arteries, and is also referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The majority of cholesterol found in human blood is LDL cholesterol.
Maintaining low LDL levels is what you want. If not, plaque—a buildup of harmful cholesterol—can form in your arteries. Plaques impede the heart’s ability to pump blood, which can lead to cardiac issues. Heart attacks and chest discomfort are two of these. Blood clots in the legs and brain can also result from plaques. Why is cholesterol so high? Elevated cholesterol levels may be a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. It may also be influenced by some medications you take and your genes and family history. Conditions affecting the kidneys and thyroid gland can also raise cholesterol levels. What is my personal healthy cholesterol level?
Your total cholesterol should generally be less than 170 milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood if you are 19 years of age or younger. Your total cholesterol should be lower than 200 mg/dL if you are 20 years of age or older. These are only suggestions; to find out what is deemed healthy for you, consult your healthcare physician.