Understanding Cholesterol’s Role in the Body
You’ve probably heard the high cholesterol is bad for you, but have you wondered what cholesterol is and why it’s in our bodies? September is National Cholesterol Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to learn about cholesterol’s role in the body and what you can do to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol’s Role in the Body
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the body’s cells. The body uses cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones, and other substances to digest food. The liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs. However, the cholesterol in the blood can also come from food, primarily animal and animal byproducts.
There are two main types of cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is also called “bad” cholesterol because too much can result in plaque buildup in the arteries. HDL cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol, removes and recycles LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver, where it’s released from the body or reprocessed.
The Risks of High Cholesterol
While cholesterol does a lot of good for the body, too much cholesterol can lead to severe health conditions if left untreated.
- Angina- Also known as chest pain, angina occurs when plaques caused by high LDL levels build up in the arteries that supply the heart with blood.
- Heart attack- When buildup cuts off the blood supply that provides the heart with oxygen, it can cause a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, nausea, fatigue, trouble breathing, and sweating.
- Stroke- When blood clots block blood from flowing to the brain, it causes a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include trouble speaking, headache, difficulty walking, vision problems, or paralysis of the face, arms, or legs.
Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an essential substance needed to keep the body working correctly, so it’s vital to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Talk to your doctor- If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, your first step should be talking to your doctor to learn your cholesterol levels. Your doctor can determine your cholesterol levels with a blood test and guide you to keep those levels healthy. If your cholesterol levels are too high or low, your doctor may suggest medications in addition to lifestyle changes.
- Exercise- Staying physically active helps you keep a healthy weight, reducing LDL levels and increasing HDL levels. You don’t need to burn yourself out with a workout. Instead, aim to spend at least 30 minutes a day on a moderate-level activity, such as brisk walking, yoga, or biking. If you’re new to working out, be sure to consult your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
- Don’t smoke- Smoking can lower HDL levels while increasing LDL levels. If you’re a regular smoker, try to cut back or quit to not only keep your cholesterol levels healthy but to reduce your risk of other conditions such as lung cancer and high blood pressure. Smoking is addictive, so if you’re having trouble, be sure to reach out to a medical professional for help.
- Maintain a healthy diet- Trans fat and full-fat dairy products can increase LDL cholesterol. Try to limit the amount of processed foods you consume and find dairy alternatives such as soy or nut-based options.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one needs help with meal preparations and managing cholesterol, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with grocery shopping, planning meals, and cooking. Additional home care is also available, such as light housekeeping, laundry, personal, and medication reminder. Our Mentor office serves those in Lake, Geauga, and Northeast Cuyahoga counties. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 440.974.0869.