What Kind of Disease is Cholesterol?
How and Why Cholesterol Rises
Cholesterol is a 27-carbon steroid alcohol that resembles a waxy fat. Our body needs to take in or produce 1 gram of it daily. 3/4 of this need is met by our body, primarily our liver, and the rest comes from animal products such as egg yolks, cheese, and meat. The Importance of Cholesterol for Our Body Since cholesterol is present in the membrane of every cell, it plays an important role in nutrient uptake. It provides the necessary environment for our endocrine system, meaning for the functioning of our hormones and enzymes. It also has important roles in our digestive system. Cholesterol is also transported in blood plasma. The types of cholesterol get their names from the lipoproteins that assist in this transport. These include LDL, VLDL, IDL, Chylomicron, etc.
What Should Be the Healthy Range for Cholesterol and Its Types?
- LDL 130mg/dL
- Cholesterol 200mg/dL
- Triglycerides 150mg/dL
- HDL 40mg/dL
When Should Cholesterol Levels Be Checked?
Cholesterol can rise in two ways (hyperlipidemia). Its intake or production can increase, or its excretion can decrease. Intake can increase with the consumption of excessive animal products. Since it is produced in our body by organs such as the liver, adrenal glands, small intestine, and reproductive organs, it can increase due to a problem in these areas. As it is a fat, it is excreted by our excretory system. Excretion can decrease due to a problem here or a problem in the small intestine where it is absorbed. Hyperlipidemia itself does not show symptoms; it has indirect effects. Excess cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries, heart attacks, and even loss of limbs due to blocked arteries supplying the extremities. Symptoms of hyperlipidemia include fatigue, tiredness in the extremities, pain and numbness in the feet and legs, shortness of breath, respiratory problems, skin spots and bruises, and the formation of fatty lumps around the face and eyes. Although there is no consensus among experts on when to check cholesterol levels, they have agreed on certain points. It is generally argued that a check-up should be done around the age of 35. If a family member (close or distant) has had a heart-related illness and has high cholesterol levels, these individuals are advised to get checked around the age of 20. The priority in cholesterol levels is to lower the LDL amount. If you are in the very high-risk group, it is attempted to be reduced to 70 mg/dL. If you are in the moderate-risk group, it is attempted to be lowered to 100 mg/dL.
Cholesterol Treatment
Cholesterol treatment is done in two ways. One is to try to lower cholesterol levels by prescribing specific diets. If a certain point cannot be reached through diet alone (due to genetic reasons, patient's refusal), medication should be started (under expert supervision). The types of medications to be started can be Niacin, Statins, or Fibrates, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's constitution. Another method, which is currently popular, is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. It is necessary to give importance and value to physical activities and incorporate them into our lives. Medications used in cholesterol treatment are completely safe, but due to individual differences in the human body, they can cause some side effects. These effects can include bodily damage, rashes, itching, and digestive system problems. In such a situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor nearby for health reasons.
