Hyperlipidemia, or more simply high cholesterol. You probably know that cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood which is essential for normal body functioning. Too much cholesterol can cause your arteries to block leading to a heart attack or a stroke. You also probably know that high cholesterol is typically a result of a bad diet, inactivity, smoking and excess alcohol. Despite our knowing of these things, nearly 40% of people in the UK and in the USA have hyperlipidemia.
Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream in particles known as lipoproteins. Roughly 70% of cholesterol is transported in lipoproteins of low density which is known as your LDL. Too much LDL increases the risk of clogged arteries and so increases the risk of a heart attack. In comparison, if cholesterol is transported in lipoproteins of high density (HDL) the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced as these particles remove excess cholesterol from tissues and transport it to the liver where it is removed. One way I like to remember this is to think of the first L in LDL as Loser and the H in HDL as Hero. LDL is bad, HDL is good.
LDL was previously used as the main measure of bad cholesterol. More recent research is showing that other forms of non-HDL cholesterol are also harmful as they have the same effects on the heart as LDL, causing the arteries to block. We also have triglycerides which are another fat that is transported in the bloodstream and serves as a marker for heart disease. Particularly when combined with high levels of LDL (loser) cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides are linked with the hardening of artery walls. Finally, total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both HDL and LDL.
Its no secret that exercise and a healthy balanced diet are the most effective ways to reduce your cholesterol levels. If you’re looking to check your cholesterol levels, this can be done with your local GP (if you can get an appointment) or you can order home test kits.
