Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body.  This includes the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines and heart.  It is made by the body and also obtained from animal products in the diet.

Lipid disorders occur when you have excess fatty substances in your blood.  These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides.  Having a lipid disorder makes you more likely to develop atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Possible causes

cholesterol can be bound to fat and protein at different densities.  Two main types include:

low-density lipoproteins - LDL - bad cholesterol

high-density lipoproteins - HDL - good cholesterol

High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be inherited (genetic) or associated with:

fatty diets

diabetes, hypothyroidism, cushing’s syndrome, and kidney failure

certain medication, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers

lifestyle factors, including habitual, excessive alcohol use and lack of exercise, leading to obesity

people who smoke and also have high cholesterol are at even greater risk for heart disease.  Lipid disorders are more common in men than women

Suggestion to lower high cholesterol levels:

limit total fat intake to 25% to 35% of total multi-vitamin calories.  Less than 7% of multi-vitamin calories should be from saturated fat, not more than 10% should be from polyunsaturated fat, and not more than 20% from monounsaturated fat.

eat less than 200 milligrams of dietary cholesterol per day.

get more fiber in your diet.

lose weight.

increase physical activity.

Cholesterol level (mg/dL)

	Good	Borderline	High
HLD	>45	35-44	<35
TC	<200	200-239	240 & >
LDL	<130	130-159	160 & >
Triglycerides	<200	200-300	400 & >
Ratio	<=3.4	5.5 -7.4	>=7.5