It is a myth that
cholesterol is bad and results in various health ailments. There are two types
of cholesterol in the body – good (HDL) and bad (LDL). Maintaining normal lipid
levels is essential for a healthy body. Higher levels of LDL are associated
with various health conditions like stroke and hypertension. 71 million
American adults are seen to suffer from high LDL levels.
Lipid Profile Test and its Significance
Lipids
are nothing but a group of fats and fat-like substances. They are sources of
energy and important constituents of the cells. A lipid profile measures the
level of specific lipids in the blood. There are two major types of lipids in
our body: cholesterol and triglycerides. As they are water insoluble, they are
transported by lipoprotein particles. Each particle consists of a combination
of phospholipid molecule, triglyceride, cholesterol, and protein. The particles
are classified by their density as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)
Lipids are essential
for various bodily functions. However, maintaining normal levels of lipids is
essential for health. 75% of the cholesterol is produced by the liver and the
rest of it comes from diet. Consuming too much food rich in saturated fats and
trans fats can result in abnormal lipid levels. The extra lipids can deposit on
the wall of the blood vessels to form a plaque, which narrows and eventually
block the opening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
This, in turn, increases
the risk of various health conditions like heart attack and stroke. It
Increases the risk of heart diseases, which is the leading cause of death in
the U.S. Individuals with abnormal lipid profile are twice as prone to heart
diseases to those having normal levels. Moreover, lowering cholesterol levels
can reduce the risk of having a heart attack, angioplasty, or needing bypass
surgery. Triglyceride is a type of lipid. Excess calories consumed by the body
is stored in the form of triglycerides.
Constituents and normal
range of lipid test are as mentioned below:
●
LDL
cholesterol - Less than 100 mg/dL
●
HDL
cholesterol - 60 mg/dL or higher
●
Triglycerides
- Less than 150 mg/dL
Abnormal lipid levels
indicate that you are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and
heart attack. Abnormal lipid levels should be followed by other investigations
like blood sugar levels and thyroid hormone levels. Undergoing a lipid profile benefitsin understanding
cholesterol levels and risk of complications associated with it.
What Can be Done?
Abnormal lipid levels
can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Lowering LDL levels can
help in avoiding disorders of the heart and blood vessels
The following lifestyle
changes can be done to lower your cholesterol levels.
●
Quit
smoking
●
Avoid
high-sodium and high-fat foods
●
Consume a
variety of fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, low-fat dairy products,
and whole-grain products
●
Limit your
alcohol consumption
●
Exercise
regularly. Try 45 minutes of brisk walk daily or 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
●
Only 7% of
your daily calories should come from saturated fats
