It is a fat-like waxy substance that the body needs to function normally. It is present in all the membranes of the body’s cells, including brain cells, nerves, muscles, skin, liver and heart.
What types of cholesterol are present in the body?
• Total cholesterol. (Total Cholesterol)
• Low density cholesterol. (LDL Cholesterol)
• High density cholesterol. (HDL Cholesterol)
• Triglycerides. (Triglycerides)
What are the acceptable levels of cholesterol level?
• Total cholesterol (less than 200).
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are less than 130.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is more than 60.
• Triglycerides less than 150.
What are the problems caused by high blood cholesterol?
• Cardiac clots.
• Brain clots.
• pancreatitis.
What are the risk factors?
• Smoking.
• Hypertension.
• High blood sugar.
• The presence of a relative (parents or siblings) with heart disease at a young age (males younger than 55 and females younger than 65).
• Male.
• Old age.
Should I take treatment in all cases of high blood cholesterol?
In the vast majority of cases, treatment is not required, but the final decision depends on a range of things:
• The presence of risk factors increase the chances of stroke and stroke, where the decision to start treatment depends on the number of factors in the person and the proportion of high-density lipoprotein (LDL).
• In the absence of any risk factors, the treatment is prescribed if the proportion of high-density cholesterol is higher than 190.
• For triglycerides, they have special calculations by the doctor to determine the need to start treatment if they are the only high.
Therefore, the visit of the specialist of internal diseases is necessary in case of detection of a defect in the examination of cholesterol to determine the appropriate treatment for each case.
What are the general remedies that help to reduce cholesterol levels before resorting to treatments?
• Reduce weight.
• Sports, such as walking the average effort on flat ground for 20 minutes 3 times a week or swimming.
• Stay away from food rich in sugars and carbohydrates such as sweets and white bread.
Reduce red meat, butter, fried foods, and cheeses.
• Limit the amount of alcoholic beverages.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Eat small amounts of walnuts and almonds.
• Eat milk and its derivatives are low or fat free.
• Eat fish.
What is the reason for the lack of improvement in blood cholesterol levels despite the adherence to the procedures mentioned above?
The genetic factor, which plays an important role in non-response, requires the patient to use the treatment continuously to prevent the effects of high cholesterol.