What is blood cholesterol?

Blood cholesterol consists of a group of fat known as lipids that are necessary for cell function in the body. These lipids are produced in the liver and are used to stabilize cell membranes and make them permeable for nutrients. Cholesterol is also found in various animal foods such as red meat and eggs. When the amount of cholesterol in the blood exceeds normal levels, patients may be compromised by the development of atherosclerosis of the disease. Patients with atherosclerosis have a layer of plaque composed of cholesterol lining their blood vessels and this plaque may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lipids themselves

are not soluble in the blood and could not circulate freely throughout the body. In order to travel cholesterol from the liver to cells and tissues of the body, it must be combined with protein. These circulating lipoproteins bear cholesterol in the form of high density (HDL) or with low density (LDL). Low -density lipoproteins transmit cholesterol to the cells of And it are molecules that may cause to makeIt builds plaque on the walls of the blood vessels. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Triglycerides are smaller blood fat molecules that are produced in the intestine and liver. These molecules can also contribute to atherosclerosis.

Monitoring of cholesterol and blood triglycerides is an important step in maintaining health. Testing should be performed at least every five years in healthy patients at the age of 20 years. Patients with known high cholesterol levels should be more often monitored. The lipid profile can be measured on a blood sample that is taken from the patient to 12 -hour fast. This profile will include values ​​for the total number of cholster, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

The optimal level of total cholesterol in a healthy patient is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter blood (mg/dl). LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dl, while HDL levels should be larger notPs 40 mg/dl. The triglycerides measurement in the lipid profile should be less than 150 mg/dl. Patients who maintain these levels may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Blood cholesterol comes from two sources. It is made in the liver and is used during meals. The amount of cholesterol produced in the liver is determined by a family history and some patients naturally produce more cholesterol than others. Patients may be able to reduce total cholesterol levels by consuming a low -fat diet, exercise or use of drugs decreasing cholesterol by a doctor.