More facts about cholesterol

Cholesterol can build up on the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart and the brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis, says Dr H K Chopra

 In this article we take further our understanding of cholesterol and how they affect our health. Cholesterol and other fats can build up on the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart and the brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis. In this case, the fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin build-up in the inner lining of the artery. This build-up is called plaque. These plaques may be vulnerable or nonvulnerable. The vulnerable plaques may rupture, as they have thin fibrous cap, with high lipid core and they promote clot formation. This in turn narrows the arteries and diminishes blood supply to the heart, which causes heart attack. This also reduces blood supply to the brain, causing paralysis and by reducing the blood supply to the lower limbs it can cause problem in the legs too. Cholesterol and other fats are transported in the blood to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are several kinds of lipoproteins. We are most concerned with two of them—Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)—both of which are carriers for cholesterol. Normal range of blood cholesterol is 150-250 mg/dl. Ideally, the recommended levels of blood cholesterol in an adult should be less than 150 mg/dl. The LDL cholesterol levels range from 70-150 mg/dl. Ideally, the recommended levels of LDL in adults should be less than 70 mg/dl. The normal triglyceride level should be less than 150mg/dl. If the level is between 150-199 mg/dl it is a borderline case. The recommended level of VLDL in adults should be 24-45 mg/dl. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are better. The normal HDL cholesterol levels should be more than 40 mg/dl in men and more than 50 mg/dl in women. The cholesterol/HDL ratio should be less than four and LDL/HDL ratio should be less than three The main source of triglycerides is the diet. One should therefore, eat low-fat and low-sugar diet and exercise to maintain good health. High triglycerides are a major risk factor for heart attack and paralysis.