Check your cholesterol

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:

HDL (high density lipoproteins)
LDL (Low density lipoproteins)
ULDL (very low density lipoproteins) and
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

The damage caused by high lipids is a silent process in terms of clinical symptoms.

It is mostly realized late in the day, mainly when the person has a heart problem or is hospitalized for an unrelated problem.
However it is possible to get a sneak preview into the process if patients do a regular lipid profile test.

Lifestyle problem

Actually high blood lipids are a life style problem. Daily we eat too much the wrong kind of food and exercise too less.

Proper and adequate diet and light exercises to lower cholesterol level.

The best diet is to avoid red meat, egg yolk, fried food, butter, cheese, full cream milk and chocolates.

Add more fiber in normal diet along with seasonal fruits, seeds, beans and as well as whole grain. Boiled and baked food are good.

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