Definition
Cholesterol is a lipid (fatty substance) made mostly by the liver from the fatty foods we eat.
Description
A certain amount of Cholesterol is vital for many of the body’s normal processes such as hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D. Cholesterol is an insoluble waxy substance that is carried through the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. The two main lipoproteins are;
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for the cells to use, this can cause a harmful build-up in the blood and artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries. For this reason, LDL cholesterol is known as ‘bad cholesterol’, and lower levels are better.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol away from the cells, including cells in the arteries, and back to the liver, where it is either broken down or passed from the body as a waste product. For this reason, it is referred to as ‘good cholesterol’, and higher levels are better.
Risk factors
Too much LDL cholesterol circulating within our bloodstream leads to fatty deposits that develop in the arteries. This causes the vessels to narrow and they can eventually become blocked. This can lead to heart disease and stroke. The risk of coronary heart disease (when blood supply to the heart is blocked or disrupted) rises as the blood’s cholesterol level increases.
The following risk factors increase the chance of stroke and heart problems in people with high cholesterol;
* Smoking
* Having an unhealthy diet
* Diabetes or high blood pressure (both can be managed with medication)
* Having a family history of stroke or heart disease.
Safe blood cholesterol levels
Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/L. Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5mmols per litre if there are no other risk factors present. If there are other cardiovascular risk factors or pre-existing cardiovascular (heart) disease, then the aim for the LDL levels would be less than 2.5 mmol/L. Approximately half of all adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5mmols per litre. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.
What is the relationship between high cholesterol and stroke?
Whilst high cholesterol is more strongly associated with blockages in the heart arteries and damage to the heart (heart attack), high cholesterol will also narrow the brain arteries and can lead to damage to the brain (a stroke). There is evidence that people at risk of stroke can lower their risk by reducing their cholesterol levels.
Treatment options
Blood cholesterol levels are measured with a simple blood test. You may be asked not to eat for 12 hours before the test (usually including when you are asleep at night). Your GP may recommend that you have a blood test to determine the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides (other fatty substances) in your blood.
Cholesterol testing is available to everyone but it is particularly important to have it checked if:
- You have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke or mini-stroke or you have leg artery disease.
- You are over 40.
- You have a family history of early cardiovascular disease
- A close family member has a cholesterol-related condition
- You are overweight or obese.
- You have high blood pressure or diabetes.
- You have another medical condition such as a kidney condition, an underactive thyroid gland or an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).
The initial treatment for high cholesterol will usually involve making some dietary changes (adopting a low-fat diet) and introducing regular exercise. If cholesterol levels have not dropped within a few months, you may be advised by your GP to take medication. There are several different types of cholesterol-lowering medication which work in different ways. Your GP can advise you about the most suitable type of treatment.
Diet hints
Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats can reduce your level of LDL (bad cholesterol). The best way to reduce saturated fat in the diet is to limit the intake of the following foods:
- Fatty meats
- Full fat dairy products
- Processed meats like salami and sausages
- Snack foods like hot chips
- Most takeaway foods, especially deep fried foods
- Cakes, biscuits and pastries.
A healthy diet includes foods from all of the different food groups:
- Carbohydrates (cereals, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice and pasta),
- Proteins (lean meat, beans and fish),
- Unsaturated fats, and
- Fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day)
Vitamins/minerals/herbs
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies are closely linked to high Cholesterol and heart disease. Antioxidants protect the blood vessels from the damage caused by high Cholesterol. Supplements that may be beneficial include:
– Essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the arteries and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
– Coenzyme Q10. Medication used to lower elevated cholesterol levels (statins) has been shown to lower the body’s levels of co-enzyme Q10. This nutrient is involved in energy production and lowered levels may result in fatigue. Taking an adequate dosage of co-enzyme Q10 may help to restore depleted levels of this nutrient
– Vitamin C may reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels.
– Garlic can reduce cholesterol levels and increase HDL choesterol.
– Vitamin E may prevent LDL oxidation which is the first stage in the development of Atherosclerosis.
Organisations & support groups
See the Heart Foundation of Australia Website regarding Healthy Eating : https://heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-eating/food-and-nutrition/fats-and-cholesterol
Pharmacist’s advice
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- See your Doctor for a full check-up and Cholesterol test, to determine your risk factors for heart disease.
- Regular exercise may help to lower harmful cholesterol levels while helping to maintain a healthy weight.
- Your Doctor may prescribe a medication to lower blood cholesterol levels. These medications should be used in conjunction with a lifestyle programme that includes dietary modification and exercise. Ask one of our Pharmacists for expert advice.
- Talk to one of our Pharmacists about our Impromy Health and Weight Loss Program.
Inverell Pharmacy – your locally owned and operated Pharmacy with 5 pharmacists to Assist and Advise you.