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Check
Your Cholesterol
Your Lipid
Profile
It is
common to hear many having high cholesterol or high lipids detected by a
blood profile test. The many sub-components of lipids are analyzed and
on the basis of this report, the doctor advises a person on how to
achieve a desirable cholesterol level.
What are
these lipids and can timely detection of high lipids and their control
thereafter prevent heart disease?. Lipids are fatty substances found in
blood. Though a certain amount of fat is important for the body's normal
working, too much fatty substance is bad.
High
level of fat contribute significantly to heart disease and as well as
stroke. So liquid profile test is essential.
Two forms
There are two basic forms of lipids - cholesterol
and triglycerides - and four types of carrier proteins. Both forms are
manufactured internally in the liver and intestines and externally
consumed in our diet. When the digested fat reaches the lever it is
attached to certain carrier proteins.
This
makes fat soluble in blood to be able to flow in and reach each cell.
There are four types of proteins depending on the type and concentration
of fat they carry. The types of fat are:
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HDL
(high density lipoproteins)
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LDL
(Low density lipoproteins)
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ULDL
(very low density lipoproteins) and
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IDL
(Intermediate density cholesterol)
These
lipoproteins have a peculiar role in fat metabolism and interpretations
of the test report. ULDL is the first lipoprotein to be dispatched from
the liver. It carries all the triglyceride and small amount of
cholesterol.
When it
travels, the ULDL discharges all its triglyceride and retains
cholesterol becoming LDL. The LDL carries mainly cholesterol and when
the amount carried by it exceeds the amount consumed by the body, then
the excess floats around in the blood stream and attaches itself to the
inner wall of the blood vessels to form
plague or
block
This is
known atherosclerosis and has a two fold effect. It puts more pressure
on the heart, as it has to pump against blocked arteries and may
manifest as pain, angina or even full blown heart attack. Second the
blood vessels supplying the heart and brain be blocked causing a heart
attack or a stroke.
Good and Bad cholesterol
As LDL cholesterol initiates the formation
of plaque it is also known as bad cholesterol. On the other hand, HDL is
the tiny lipoprotein that usually transports very little cholesterol and
more proteins from the liver through the b blood vessels. It is also
known as the good cholesterol because it helps remove the LDL particles
from the arteries and bring them back to the liver. Here they are duly
recycled or broken down.
Precaution
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The
damage caused by high lipids is a silent process in terms of clinical
symptoms.
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It is mostly realized
late in the day, mainly when the person has a heart problem or is
hospitalized for an unrelated problem.
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However it is
possible to get a sneak preview into the process if patients do a
regular lipid profile test.
Lifestyle
problem
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Actually high blood lipids are a life style problem. Daily we eat too
much the wrong kind of food and exercise too less.
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Proper and adequate
diet and light exercises to lower cholesterol level.
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The best diet is to
avoid red meat, egg yolk, fried food, butter, cheese, full cream milk
and chocolates.
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Add more fiber in
normal diet along with seasonal fruits, seeds, beans and as well as
whole grain. Boiled and baked food are good.
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The best exercise
pattern is to walk, jog, swim, cycle or do aerobics for at least 15-20
minutes daily. In case of extreme problems consult a qualified
physician
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