Introduction:
One of the body's most known compounds is cholesterol, an essential component of animal cell membranes. Cholesterol is essential for life, but when present in high levels in the blood, it will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the walls of arteries, plaques are built up by cholesterol and other substances such as fat and calcium. The blood vessels are narrowed down over time and can lead to complications such as heart attack and stroke. It is one of the vital components of the cell membrane.
What Are the Myths of Cholesterol?
The myths of cholesterol are:
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All cholesterol is bad.
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Blaming of high-cholesterol foods.
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A no-fat diet is the best diet.
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Intake of cholesterol medicines means eating anything is accepted.
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High cholesterol is not present in thin people.
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Testing is necessary only for individuals over 35 years old.
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High cholesterol can be present only in adults.
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Most men are affected by high cholesterol.
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High HDL can fix high LDL.
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It all comes down to diet.
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Statin dose can be skipped.
What Are the Types of Cholesterol in the Blood?
The total cholesterol is the sum of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels.
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Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: This is a kind of bad cholesterol as it can lead to fatty buildup in the arteries, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk for heart disease. The aim of LDL should be 100 mg/dL for less.
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High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is considered good cholesterol as a healthy level may help to protect against stroke and heart attack by escorting about one-quarter to one-third of total LDL within the arteries back to the liver, where the LDL will break down and is excreted from the body. The HDL level should be 50 mg/dL in women or 40 mg/dL in men or more.
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Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in the body is triglycerides, which store the extra energy from the consumed food. The aim of triglycerides should be 150 mg/dL or less.
Is All Cholesterol Bad?
The body needs some cholesterol but cannot have too much to stay healthy. The total cholesterol is the sum of a few types, mostly low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. When there is too much low-density lipoprotein, the problem arises as it likely clogs the arteries. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is considered good cholesterol because it helps to sweep away the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Is a No-Fat Diet the Best Diet?
The body requires fat, but it should be of the right kind, and unsaturated fats are the top choice. These can be polyunsaturated, such as sunflower seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and fatty fish, or monosaturated, like avocados and olive oil. Switching to help lower high, low, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and boost heart health is better.
Is It Okay to Consume Any Food if the Individual Is Taking Cholesterol Medicines Regularly?
To control cholesterol and prevent its complications, such as heart disease and stroke, a few steps need to be initiated, and medications are just one of them. Following a heart-healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains rich in fiber, and foods with unsaturated fats like seeds, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts is also essential. Anyone can have high cholesterol, and risk factors are inadequate exercise, a low-quality diet, and inherited conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
Is Cholesterol Testing Necessary for All Individuals?
From childhood to middle age, cholesterol should be checked for every five years. It is necessary to check every one to two years in men aged 45 to 65 and women aged 55 to 65. It should be checked yearly after the age of 65 years. If the cholesterol is high in an individual, frequent testing is essential to ensure the medications and lifestyle changes are working properly. Studies show that 7 percent of kids between the ages of 6 and 19 have high cholesterol, and risk factors are the same as adults, such as unhealthy diet, unhealthy weight, and a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. Children with any of these risk factors should have their cholesterol checked at the age of two.
Does High Cholesterol Mostly Affect Men?
There is some protection from high cholesterol in women before menopause because of estrogen, but young women can have worrisome cholesterol levels. In women, heart disease usually happens later, but it is the leading cause of death, and therefore, cholesterol control is the key to a healthy heart. A high HDL number is a good sign, but it can’t compensate for high LDL or total cholesterol.
Can Only Diet Help Lower Cholesterol?
Diet is not the only lifestyle factor that needs attention. There are also other ways to manage cholesterol to quit smoking as it helps to raise the good HDL cholesterol. Daily 30 minutes of exercise most days and losing extra pounds also benefit from lowering cholesterol. It is advisable not to skip the statin dose as it helps to cut heart disease risk by 25 percent. However, 50 percent of individuals need to take them properly, which increases the risk of complications and more doctor visits.
Does Statin Cause Muscle Pain?
Many patients have a fear of experiencing muscle pain or cramping, but the truth is only 2 percent to 10 percent of patients experience muscle-related side effects. Of patients who had side effects with one statin, 90 percent could tolerate an alternative medicine to statin with continued use. It is essential to inform the clinician if there are any muscle pain symptoms due to statin intake. These medications are essential for lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, and therefore, it is essential to evaluate and address the side effects.
Conclusion
All the cholesterol is not bad. In fact, many vital functions that include constructing cells and making hormones, it is required by the body. The liver also makes some by itself. To control elevated cholesterol levels and prevent its complications (heart disease and stroke), a few steps need to be initiated, and medications are just one of them.
