What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is used to help digest fats, strengthen cell membranes and make hormones. Although cholesterol serves many important functions in the body, too much cholesterol in the blood can be dangerous. When blood cholesterol reaches high levels, it can build up on artery walls, increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

The bloodstream transports cholesterol throughout the body by special carriers called lipoproteins. The two major lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is most often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol whereas HDL is knows the "good" cholesterol.

LDL - The "BAD" cholesterol

LDL LDL is the most numerous cholesterol carrier found in the blood. It is also the material that contributes most to the build up of plaque on artery walls. Plaque forms when LDL combines with other substances and sticks to the walls of arteries. Decreasing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood is an important part of decreasing risk of heart disease.

HDL - The "GOOD" cholesterol

HDL HDL cholesterol makes up a smaller portion of the cholesterol carriers. However, HDLs are probably just as, if not more important than LDLs in preventing heart disease. HDL removes cholesterol from the blood by carrying it to the liver where it is metabolized. Therefore, it is beneficial to have high levels of HDL in the blood.

Your Cholesterol Reading - What should it be?
Cholesterol readings you receive from your medical provider generally include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels. It is important to look at all three readings, not just the total cholesterol. The following are recommended goals for your cholesterol readings:

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL (mg/dl)
Desirable: Below 200
Borderline: 200-239
Undesirable: 240 and above

LDL CHOLESTEROL (mg/dl)
Desirable: Below 130
Borderline: 130-159
Undesirable: 160 and above

HDL CHOLESTEROL (mg/dl)
Desirable: Above 45
Borderline: 40-45
Undesirable: Below 40

TRIGLYCERIDES
Desirable: Below 150
Borderline: 150-199
Undesirable: Above 200

Triglycerides
Having elevated triglycerides may also increase the risk of heart disease. Exercise, a low-fat diet, and weight loss can all decrease triglycerides. A normal triglyceride reading is below 150 mg/dl.

COMBATING HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Many factors, such as genetics, obesity, inactivity and poor diet contribute to high cholesterol. Understanding how these factors affect your cholesterol is important in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol.

Genetics
Just as some people inherit physical characteristics from their parents, others inherit an increased likelihood of developing high cholesterol. If you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, it is important to focus on those aspects which you can control rather than feeling genetically doomed. By maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a low-fat, well-balanced diet you will decrease your chances of developing heart disease.

Weight
Accumulating excess weight is generally associated with increased total and LDL cholesterol. Every individual responds differently to weight loss, however most people find that blood cholesterol drops as weight decreases. The best way to lose weight and lower cholesterol is through increased activity coupled with low-fat eating.

Exercise
Exercise is very important in controlling cholesterol levels. Not only does total and LDL cholesterol tend to decrease with activity, but HDL cholesterol increases. In order to get this effect "aerobic" activity is best. Aerobic exercise is any exercise that is continuous, rhythmical and involves large muscle groups. Most aerobic exercise end with the letter "ing" (walking, running, rowing, cycling, swimming, rope skipping, dancing, hiking, and skating). The cholesterol lowering effect of exercise is greatest when individuals exercise at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes or more.  

Diet
Diet is also a major component of decreasing blood cholesterol. A proper diet can help lower cholesterol for several reasons. Diet modifications are essential for weight loss but can effect cholesterol levels even if weight remains unchanged. Also, a proper diet is essential to provide energy for those engaging in daily aerobic exercise. Fat is often targeted as the main dietary factor which affects blood cholesterol. Fat serves many functions in the body therefore, a fat free diet is not a healthy diet. However, the amount and type of fat in the diet is important in controlling cholesterol.

Saturated fat is the main dietary component associated with raising cholesterol. Saturated fats are found mainly in animal products and the tropical oils. The following foods are high in saturated fat and should be used sparingly in the diet:

• beef fat, lamb, pork fat
• (lard), butter, cream, whole milk dairy products (whole milk and cheeses)
• coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter

Replacing saturated fats in the diet with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help decrease total cholesterol. The two fats highest in monounsaturated fats are canola and olive oil. Examples of fats high in polyunsaturated include: corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower and soybean oil.

Hydrogenated fats are formed by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats. This makes the fat more firm and makes the fat more durable. Hydrogenation increases the saturation and therefore makes it more harmful to the body. Therefore limiting the use of hydrogenated oils is recommended. Hydrogenated oils are commonly found in fast foods, margarine, peanut butter, and snack crackers.

It is evident that not all fats are created equal and do not affect your body the same way. However, all fats have about the same amount of calories regardless of their degree of saturation. Fats have over twice as many calories as protein or carbohydrate of a given weight. This is why a donut has many more calories than a bagel of the same size. For those people who need to lose weight, consuming too much of any fat will be counterproductive.

Other factors which compound risks due to high cholesterol
Smoking constricts blood vessels, elevates blood pressure, and raises LDL cholesterol. STOP smoking!

High Blood Pressure damages blood vessels and increases risk of heart attack and stroke.

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