Cholesterol, a type of fat-like substance that can be found in most parts of our body, is essential for our health. It helps create hormones, build cell walls, and digest food. However, too much of it in our blood can lead to various health problems.

While cholesterol affects everyone, it affects them differently. Let’s understand why.

The Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels in our blood by attaching to proteins. These combinations are called lipoproteins. There are three types of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol, namely:.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – also called “bad” cholesterol as it contributes to the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can cause heart disease and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – also called “good” cholesterol as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver, where it can be eliminated.
Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) – similar to LDL, but VLDL carries mostly triglycerides, another type of fat, instead of cholesterol.

Cholesterol Production

Cholesterol is produced in the liver and is also present in certain foods. However, the liver can make enough cholesterol to meet our body’s needs, so we don’t need to consume it from food.

Consuming too much cholesterol-rich foods, such as cheese and eggs, can increase our blood cholesterol levels, but not as much as consuming foods high in unhealthy fats.

Factors That Affect Cholesterol Levels

Several factors can affect your cholesterol levels in the blood, including:.

Genetics – some people may inherit genes that don’t efficiently remove LDL cholesterol from the blood, leading to high cholesterol levels.
Diet – consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats raises LDL cholesterol levels.
Weight – being overweight can raise LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Physical Activity – regular exercise can increase HDL cholesterol levels, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Smoking – smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more likely to accumulate fatty deposits. Smoking also lowers HDL cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Testing

Doctors recommend that all adults get their cholesterol tested every 4-6 years. The test involves a simple blood test that measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels.

These numbers provide a snapshot of your cholesterol levels and help identify if you are at risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Managing High Cholesterol

If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes or taking medications to help lower them. Some lifestyle changes that can help include:.

Eating a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats
Exercising regularly
Losing weight if overweight or obese
Quitting smoking

If these lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend medications, such as statins, to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Cholesterol plays an important role in our body, and it affects everyone differently. While high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.

It’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly and take necessary steps to keep them at a healthy level.