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Understanding Cholesterol Basics

This document discusses high cholesterol, including what it is, where cholesterol comes from, and how to lower cholesterol levels. It defines cholesterol and explains that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can build up in arteries if levels are too high. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol. While the body produces some cholesterol, foods from animals are a source. The document recommends choosing healthy fats and limiting saturated fat intake to lower cholesterol and notes physical activity can help raise HDL levels. It provides guidelines for optimal total cholesterol and LDL and HDL levels.

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Afnan
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71 views12 pages

Understanding Cholesterol Basics

This document discusses high cholesterol, including what it is, where cholesterol comes from, and how to lower cholesterol levels. It defines cholesterol and explains that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can build up in arteries if levels are too high. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol. While the body produces some cholesterol, foods from animals are a source. The document recommends choosing healthy fats and limiting saturated fat intake to lower cholesterol and notes physical activity can help raise HDL levels. It provides guidelines for optimal total cholesterol and LDL and HDL levels.

Uploaded by

Afnan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

High Cholesterol

Food & Nutrition I


What Is It?

 Hyperlipidemia is high
cholesterol and triglycerides.
 Major adult cardiovascular
diseases begin in childhood and
adolescence.
What Is Cholesterol?

 Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance


found among the lipids (fats) in the
bloodstream and in all your body's
cells.
 It's used to form cell membranes,
some hormones and is needed for
other functions.
 But a high level of cholesterol in the
blood is a major risk factor for
coronary heart disease, which leads to
heart attack.
What is LDL Cholesterol?
Low-density lipoprotein is the major
cholesterol carrier in the blood.
If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the
blood, it can slowly build up in the walls of the
arteries feeding the heart and brain.
It can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that
can clog those arteries.
What is HDL Cholesterol?
About 1/3 of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and
back to the liver, where it's passed from the body.
HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaques and thus slows
their growth.
HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because a
high HDL level seems to protect against heart attack.
Where Do I Get Cholesterol?
2 Ways:
 The body produces varying amounts, usually about 1,000 milligrams a day.

 Foods also can contain cholesterol.


 Foods from animals (especially egg yolks, meat, poultry, shellfish and whole- and
reduced-fat milk and dairy products) contain it.
 Foods from plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds) don't contain
cholesterol.

 The body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so people don't need to
consume it.
What Else Effects Cholesterol Levels?
 Tobacco smoke is one of the six major risk factors of
heart disease that you can change or treat.
 Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the
tendency for blood to clot.
 Blood clots can cause heart attacks, stroke, and even death.
How Can I Lower My Cholesterol?
 Choose healthy fats (oils), limit saturated fat, and avoid trans fat.

 The total amount of fat you eat, whether high or low, isn't really linked with
disease. What really matters is the type of fat you eat.
 The "bad" fats—saturated and trans fats—increase the risk for certain
diseases.
 The "good" fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—lower
disease risk.
 Choosing foods without cholesterol and adding whole grains also helps.
Will Physical Activity Help?
 Regular physical activity increases HDL cholesterol in
some people.
 A higher HDL cholesterol is linked with a lower risk of
heart disease.
 Physical activity can also help control weight, diabetes and
high blood pressure.
 Physical inactivity is a major risk factor
for heart disease.
Where Should the Levels Be?

Total Blood (or Serum) Cholesterol Level


 < 200 mg/dL Desirable
 200–239 mg/dL Borderline-High Risk 
 240 mg/dL and over High Risk 
Where Should the Levels Be?
HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level
 70 and above Optimal
 60 to 70 Near Optimal
 < 40 mg/dL for men High Risk
 < 50 mg/dL for women High Risk

LDL Cholesterol Levels


 < 100 mg/dL Optimal
 100 to 129 mg/dL Near Optimal/ Above Optimal
 130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High
 160 to 189 mg/dL High
 190 mg/dL and above Very High

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