Staying Fit -- Eat Healthy to Lower Your
Cholesterol
What is cholesterol and how is it produced?
Cholesterol, a type of fat or lipid, is a soft, waxy substance present in all
parts of the body including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines,
and heart. Your body produces cholesterol in the liver; however, it can also
be consumed through a diet that includes animal-based products, such as eggs,
dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and shellfish.
The amount of dietary cholesterol found in
food varies by the particular item. Egg yolks
and organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbread, and
brain) provide high amounts, whereas fish generally
contains less cholesterol than other meat. Some
shellfish are high in cholesterol. Foods of plant
origin (vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals,
nuts, and seeds) contain no cholesterol and fat
content is not a good measurement of cholesterol
content. For example, liver and other organ meats
are low in fat, but very high in cholesterol.
Elevated cholesterol levels often begin in childhood.
Some children may be at higher risk due to a
family history of high cholesterol.
What is the purpose of cholesterol?
Blood carries cholesterol to all parts of the body, where it is used in the
production of hormones, digestive fluids, and even vitamin D.
What is VLDL?
Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry cholesterol and triglycerides from
the liver. After the liver removes triglycerides from blood, VLDL becomes
LDL.
What is LDL cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is known as the "bad" cholesterol, because excess
LDL cholesterol tends to stick to artery walls, which can, in turn, lead to
plaque buildup and coronary artery disease including a heart attack.
According to Emile R. Mohler, III, MD, director
of vascular medicine for the University of Pennsylvania
Health System, “Emerging data from recent
clinical trials evaluating cholesterol level
and progression of vascular disease indicates
that the target goal for LDL, the bad cholesterol,
should be lower than the current guidelines.”
The National Cholesterol Education Program
(NCEP) recommends that patients at high risk
for heart disease (peripheral arterial disease
or a diabetic, for example) have LDL levels less
than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), but
a new option just became available to lower the
level to less than 70 mg/dl. For those that are
at moderate risk (10-year 10-20 percent risk
for heart attack or stroke), the recommended
LDL goal has been 130 mg/dl, but a new option
has been recommended to lower the LDL to less
than 100 mg/dl. In order to achieve these goals,
a combination of medication and lifestyle changes
will often be required.
What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL, known as the "good" cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol
from the blood. An abnormally low HDL level (according to the NCEP, anything
below 40 milligrams per deciliter) is considered a risk factor for coronary
artery disease.
What is Total cholesterol?
Total cholesterol is not, as many people think, simply the sum of LDL and HDL.
It is actually the combination of LDL, HDL and very low-density lipoproteins
(VLDL cholesterol).
How does cholesterol lead to heart disease?
While cholesterol performs many important bodily functions, too much of it
can build up in the arteries (a condition known as atherosclerosis) during
travel with blood flow and eventually result in heart disease.
How can cholesterol levels be lowered?
To lower high cholesterol levels, you should first consult your health care
provider to measure and discuss your cholesterol profile. Eat less than 30
percent of your total daily calories from fat, and of that 30 percent, less
than one-third should be from saturated fat and not more than one-third should
be from polyunsaturated fat. At least one-third of the total fat calories
should be from monounsaturated fat. Less than 300 milligrams (mg) of dietary
cholesterol per day should be consumed. Medications may also be prescribed
to lower cholesterol levels, but your doctor can advise you on what will
provide the most benefit.
Reviewed by Emile
R. Mohler, III, MD
August 16, 2005
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