Cholesterol - Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol can be considered a type of lipid (fat) produced in the body. He is present in foods of animal origin (meat, milk, eggs etc..). In our body, plays essential functions such as production of hormones and vitamin D. However, the excess blood cholesterol is harmful and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In our blood, there are two types of cholesterol: * LDL cholesterol: Known as "bad", it can be deposited in your arteries and cause clogging. * HDL cholesterol, known as "good", removes excess cholesterol out of arteries, preventing them from deposit and decreasing the formation of fatty plaque. Types We can say that there are several types of cholesterol circulating in the blood. The total sum of all of them is called "Total Cholesterol". As seen, cholesterol is a kind of "blood fat" and, as fats do not mix with liquids, cholesterol is insoluble in blood. Therefore, he needs the "ride" of certain proteins to fulfill their functions. The association gives rise to so-called lipoproteins. These, yes, they are able to travel throughout the body via the bloodstream. Lipoproteins - or just cholesterol - take some ways, being divided into "good" cholesterol (HDL - high density or high density) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL - low density or low density). Searches have proven that the good cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol removed from the cells and facilitates its removal from the body. It is therefore beneficial. Since the bad cholesterol (LDL) is the reverse: the aid cholesterol into cells, causing the excess is accumulated in the arteries in the form of plaques. Rightfully so, brings many evils. Risk factors Many factors can contribute to high cholesterol, such as genetic or inherited tendencies, obesity and reduced physical activity. However, one of the most common factors is diet. The high-cholesterol diet includes large amounts of animal foods: oils, skimmed milk and no eggs. Fat, particularly saturated, contribute to the problem of high cholesterol. Saturated fat is a fat that, when ingested, increases the amount of cholesterol in the body. It is found mainly in foods of animal origin. Red meat, even apparently "lean", has cholesterol molecules between the fibers and should be avoided. The light or diet margarines should be chosen to replace the butter. Unsaturated fats are present primarily in plant foods. They are essential to the body, but the human body can not afford to produce them. That is why it is necessary to consume it in the feed. Replacement of saturated by unsaturated fat in the diet may assist in reducing blood cholesterol. When you want to prepare a tastier bread, prefer light or diet margarine for butter. Symptoms of Cholesterol High cholesterol has no symptoms, so those who have atherosclerosis and obesity, has family history of death by strokes, is sedentary and / or fed up with excessive intake of saturated fats are more likely to have high cholesterol. Atherosclerosis does not produce any symptoms until the obstruction which occurs one or more arteries. Diagnosis of Cholesterol According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, ideal levels of blood cholesterol should be: - Total Cholesterol: below 200mg/dL bloodrn- Good Cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol: above 35mg/dL bloodrn- Bad cholesterol (LDL): below 130mg/dL blood. Treatment of cholesterol There are drugs to control high cholesterol, atherosclerosis but only gets better with a more significant change in lifestyle. Reduce stress, exercising, maintaining stable blood pressure and weight under control are critical. People who have diabetes should be aware.