Cholesterol

Cholesterol is one of the body's fats (lipids). Cholesterol and another lipid, triglyceride, are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy.

To some extent, the cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes cholesterol in the liver.

Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the major vascular systems.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol: a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL) and a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL).

HDL has a useful effect in reducing tissue cholesterol and taking it back to the liver. HDL actually protects against atherosclerosis. LDL may contribute to diseases of the arteries (cardiovascular disease).

It is the proportion of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol that influences the degree to which atherosclerosis is likely to cause problems (cardiovascular risk).

LDL-cholesterol level can be lowered by eating a low fat diet and, if required, taking medication. HDL-cholesterol level can be raised by exercising.

Cholesterol Count

When the cholesterol level is measured in a blood sample (taken after the patient has fasted for several hours), the levels of all forms of cholesterol can be calculated. Cholesterol levels in the blood rise slightly with age, and women generally have a higher HDL-cholesterol level than men.

The levels of total cholesterol fall into the following categories:

ideal level: cholesterol level in the blood less than 5mmol/l.
mildly high cholesterol level: between 5 to 6.4mmol/l.
moderately high cholesterol level: between 6.5 to 7.8mmol/l.
very high cholesterol level: above 7.8mmol/l.

However, it is now recognised that the significance of any particular cholesterol level cannot be assessed without taking into account the ratio between good and bad cholesterol (either total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio or LDL-cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio) or the presence of other cardiovascular risks, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).

It is possible for someone to have a high level of total cholesterol and still have a relatively low cardiovascular risk because of an absence of other risk factors or because their family history is free from coronary disease.

Anyone with an established track record of cardiovascular disease such as angina pectoris, a previous heart attack, coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery should seek advice to keep their total cholesterol level below 5mmol/l or their LDL below 3mmol/l.

causes of high Cholesterol levels (Hypercholesterolemia)

Cholesterol levels can run in families. If the inherited cholesterol levels are very high, this is called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) or familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) where the triglyceride levels are very high as well.

Levels can also be influenced by the part of the world you live in: cholesterol levels in northern European countries are higher than in southern Europe and much higher than in Asia.

It is known that the relationship to food is significant, but there is no doubt that genes also play a part. High cholesterol is also seen in connection with other diseases, such as reduced metabolism (due to thyroid hormone problems, for example), kidney diseases, diabetes and alcohol abuse.

Cholesterol lowering drugs

There are many cholesterol lowering drugs now available online at cheap prices. One of the most effective cholesterol lowering drug is Generic Lipitor Atorlip.

Atorlip Generic Lipitor is a safe, FDA approved, prescription medication that can naturally reduce the levels of cholesterol.For people with high cholesterol, Atorlip Generic Lipitor, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Atorlip Generic Lipitor blocks a key enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the formation of cholesterol.