CHOLESTEROL
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterolis a type of fat that can be found in your blood. Your liver makes cholesterol for your body. You can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat.
Effect cholesterol has on..
Cell Membrane - Cholesterol plays a role in membrane fluidity but it's most important function is in reducing the permeability of the cell membrane. Cholesterol helps to restrict the passage of molecules by increasing the packing of phospholipids.
Learning and Memory - Cholesterol is present in the central nervous system (CNS) and is vital to normal brain function including signaling, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory. Cholesterol is so important to brain function that it is generated independently of cholesterol metabolism in the rest of the body and is sequestered from the body by the blood brain barrier (BBB).
Digestion and Bile Acids - . In the digestive system, cholesterol is essential for the production of bile — a substance that helps your body break down foods and absorb nutrients in your intestines.
Vitamin D - Higher vitamin D levels appear to be associated with higher total cholesterol levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels.134567890-
Steroid Hormones - Cholesterol is the precursor of the five major classes of steroid hormones: progestogens, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens
What are LDL and HDL?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
How do LDL and HDL differ structurally and functionally?
The other major structural difference between LDL and HDL relates to the types of protein they contain. Low-density lipoproteins contain proteins called B-100 proteins, while HDL particles contain mostly A-I and A-II proteins. The type of protein is significant because it determines the function of the lipoprotein particle.
Low-density lipoproteins -- the primary carriers of cholesterol -- bring cholesterol to cells throughout your body and can cause cholesterol to buildup within your arteries. This buildup can eventually lead to arterial blockage and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. High-density lipoproteins, on the other hand, can benefit your health because these particles carry cholesterol away from your heart and other organs and deliver it back to your liver, where it is passed from your body.
Why do doctors monitor the concentrations of LDL and HDL in patients’ blood?
HDL and LDL are monitored to assess risk of atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries, which may lead to heart disease and stroke.
How are the concentrations of LDL and HDL associated with the risk for heart disease and associated disorders?
Abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ... High levels of LDL cholesterol lead to atherosclerosis increasing the risk of heart attack and ischemic stroke. HDL cholesterol reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as it carries cholesterol away from the bloodstream.
What is hypercholesterolemia?
an excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
What other molecules in a patient’s blood are monitored along with LDL and HDL? Triglycerides are often monitored along with cholesterol levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood.
What do the results of a cholesterol test mean? How do patients interpret each value? Your test results: A preview. Your test results will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are among numerous factors your doctor can use to predict your lifetime or 10-year risk for a heart attack or stroke.
What can patients do to change the levels of LDL and HDL in their blood?
Exercise can raise HDL cholesterol levels. It can also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood). Try to work out for 30 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting an exercise plan.
How does intake of unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats affect cholesterol levels and overall health?
Dietary fat, especially saturated and trans fats, may raise blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol. Replacing some saturated fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (especially olive and canola oil) can help lower blood cholesterol. ... Higher levels of HDL cholesterol help lower the risk for heart disease.
Treatment plans -
Lose extra pounds. Losing even 5 to 10 pounds can help lower cholesterol levels.Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Exercise regularly. Don't smoke.
Nutrition plans -
Choose healthier fats.You should limit both total fat and saturated fat.
Limit foods with cholesterol. Eat plenty of soluble fiber. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eat fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Limit salt. Limit alcohol.