Cholesterol Check: Why Is It Important?
When it comes to health, we often hear the term “cholesterol” and the importance of checking cholesterol levels in the body. But why is it so important? How is cholesterol checked? And is it necessary to check it regularly? All these questions will be answered in this article.
Contents
Types of Cholesterol and Their Impact on Health
Cholesterol is an important type of fat in the body, primarily produced by the liver. It plays a role in providing necessary energy for cells and helps absorb vitamin D, hormones, and bile acids. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can lead to dangerous health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
There are two main types of cholesterol in the body:
- LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “bad cholesterol,” this type can accumulate in the artery walls and form plaques that cause blockages, leading to cardiovascular problems.
- HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good cholesterol,” this type helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood and return it to the liver for digestion. HDL cholesterol helps reduce the risk of health problems related to cholesterol.
What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
For adults, normal cholesterol levels are defined as follows:
| TYPE OF CHOLESTEROL | LEVELS |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL |
| HDL Cholesterol | Above 40 mg/dL |
| LDL Cholesterol | Below 100 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL |
If any of the above levels are higher than normal, you may have issues with your cholesterol levels.
How to Check Cholesterol?
Cholesterol can be checked through various methods, including:
Blood Test
A blood test is the most common method to check cholesterol levels in the body. This is a simple and easy test that requires a small amount of blood from a vein or a finger prick. After collecting the blood sample, it will be sent for testing to measure cholesterol levels.
Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) Test
The IMT test measures the thickness of the artery walls and checks for any plaque build-up. Through the results of this test, doctors can assess the condition of atherosclerosis and the risk of blockages at different sites in the body.
CT Scan
Some hospitals may use a CT scan to check for calcium build-up in the artery walls. Calcium can be a sign of heart disease symptoms, and those with high levels are often linked to high cholesterol levels.
Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels
Several factors can affect cholesterol levels in the body, including:
Age and Gender
Age can increase the risk of health problems related to cholesterol. For men, it is generally recommended to start checking cholesterol levels from the age of 35 or younger. For women, it is recommended to start checking from the age of 45 or younger if there is a family history of cardiovascular disease or cholesterol issues.
Weight and Diet
Overweight and obese individuals are at a higher risk of cholesterol-related issues as the body produces more cholesterol to supply to the cells. Furthermore, eating a lot of animal fats, salt, and sugar can increase triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the release of insulin in the body, causing the build-up of LDL cholesterol. This is dangerous because each time LDL cholesterol accumulates, it can easily form blockages and cause cardiovascular problems.
Effective Ways to Control and Reduce Cholesterol
If you know you have high cholesterol levels or want to limit the risk of cholesterol-related problems, you can implement the following methods to control and reduce cholesterol levels:
Regular Exercise
Exercise is an effective way to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, and it also provides numerous health benefits. Find a favorite physical activity like running, swimming, or yoga to maintain cholesterol levels within normal limits.
Healthy Eating
A diet rich in fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Limiting the consumption of foods rich in animal fats, salt, and sugar is also an important factor in controlling cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Besides diet and exercise, adjusting daily habits can also help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Instead of consuming processed foods, prioritize eating fresh, nutritious foods. You should also limit exposure to pollutants and try to relax by walking, listening to music, or reading instead of overworking yourself.
Prescription Medications
If you already have high cholesterol levels or suffer from cholesterol-related problems, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control and reduce these levels. However, medications should only be considered a supportive measure and cannot replace lifestyle and healthy eating changes.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is an important type of fat in the body, but too much of it can cause dangerous health problems. Regularly checking cholesterol levels can help you monitor your health and take preventive measures in time. Pay attention to your lifestyle and diet to reduce the risk of cholesterol-related problems and maintain a healthy body.
Related articles:
See more:
