What is Cholesterol?

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a greasy matter a type of lipid found in our blood. It is required for making vitamin D, some hormones and bile salt which is used in digesting fat. It is also a main part of membrane of cells in the body.

There are two main sources of cholesterol in a person’s blood. First it is produced by liver and second the food we eat.

Types of Cholesterol:

1. LDL Cholesterol:

LDL Cholesterol is called as bad cholesterol. Due to increased level of LDL lipoprotein, cholesterol gets deposited on the artery walls. It further develops to cholesterol plaque which is a hard and thick substance. Because of cholesterol plaque, arteries became narrow and increases risk of coronary heart disease.

2. HDL Cholesterol:

HDL Cholesterol is called as good cholesterol. It avoids artery from thickening by removing cholesterol from artery wall. The removed cholesterol is disposed through the liver.

Cholesterol Levels:

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

LDL Levels:

According to LDL present in your blood it can be categorized. The most favorable level of LDL cholesterol is below 100 mg/dL. From 100 to 129 mg/dL you can call it near desirable level. While 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is high level of LDL. And above 190 mg/dL is very high level of LDL cholesterol.

HDL Levels:

In contrast to LDL, higher levels of HDL cholesterol are preferred. Normally it should range from 40 to 50 mg/dL for a man and 50 to 60 mg/dL for a woman. If it is less than 40 mg/dL for a man and 50 mg/dL for a woman then the risk of heart disease increases.

Another great post on Cholesterol, netsavvy. Good Job.