I have heard about Cholesterol, but what is it ?Ans: Cholesterol is a form of fat. It is mainly produced in the liver from a variety of foods, saturated fats being the main source. Saturated fat is found in foods of animal origin such as milk, butter, ghee and meat. A certain level of cholesterol is necessary for the proper functioning of your body. But high cholesterol levels may increase your risk of developing a heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol1) GOOD CHOLESTEROL i.e. HDL – Cholesterol (HDL – C)2) BAD CHOLESTEROL i.e. LDL – Cholesterol (LDL – C)
What is good cholesterol ?Ans: HDL – Cholesterol (HDL – C) is termed as Good Cholesterol.HDL-C reduces the risk of heart disease. It carries excess cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for recycling or disposal. Thus preventing cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Therefore, more the HDL – Cholesterol in your blood, lesser is the risk of developing a heart disease. Your life style goal should be to increase HDL – Cholesterol level in your blood.
What is Bad cholesterol ? And how does it cause a heart disease ?Ans: LDL – Cholesterol (LDL – C) is terms as Bad Cholesterol. LDL-C increases the risk of heart disease.LDL-Cholesterol sticks to the walls of the blood vessels thereby narrowing them, leading to slow down of blood flow to the heart or complete blockage. If the blood supply to a portion of heart is completely cut off by a blockage, then that portion of heart muscle dies and the result is a Heart Attack.Therefore, more the LDL – Cholesterol in your blood, higher is the risk of heart disease.
What is Lipid Profile Test ?Ans: Lipid profile test is a group of tests that are carried out to estimate the amount of Cholesterol and Triglycerides in your blood.
Which Tests are included in a lipid profile ?Ans:1) Total Cholesterol2) Triglycerides3) HDL - Cholesterol (by Direct method)4) LDL – Cholesterol (by Direct method)
How is a lipid profile useful ?Ans:knowing your Total Cholesterol, LDL – Cholesterol, HDL – Cholesterol and Triglycerides will help you evaluate your own risk of developing heart disease. It will also help you consult your doctor to take adequate steps to reduce your risk factors.
What affects cholesterol levels ?Ans: There are no of factors which can affect cholesterol levels in your blood but here are some common and rectifiable factors. Diet : Saturated fat and cholesterol originating from the food you eat increase your blood cholesterol level. So it should be avoided. Weight : Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase your cholesterol. It is therefore recommended to control your weight. Physical Activity : Regular physical activity can help you lower LDL – C (Bad cholesterol) and raise HDL-C (good cholesterol) levels. It will also help you lose weight. Regular walks are hence suggested.
Who are at a high risk of developing heart disease ?Ans: These are few of the individuals who need to be more careful as they might have a risk factor for heart disease:1) Smokers or tobacco users2) Individuals with high blood pressure3) Diabetics4) Heredity: Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol. Your body makes. High blood cholesterol can be hereditary. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels increase. After menopause, women’s LDL – C levels tend to rise
How can you lower blood cholesterol levels ?Ans:A healthy diet is a good start. You can help yourself by cutting down on the amount of saturated fat in your diet. Other factors such as smoking and high blood pressure must also be controlled. Regular exercise such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling would also help.
What are recommended eating habits for reducing cholesterol and maintaining good balance ? Harmful foodGhee, Butter, Paneer, Cheese, Coconut Oil, Vanaspati, Red Meat, Cake, Pastry, Jam, Jelly, Chocolate, Soft Drinks, Ice-cream, Alcohol, Potato, Nuts, Coconut, Paratha, Puri and Spicy food. Harmless foodRice, Dal, Roti from Atta, Green Chola, Cream Cracker Biscuits, Marie Biscuits, Green Vegetables in large quantity. Sweet can be taken in a small quantity but not regularly. Chicken only twice a week, Home-made curd., Channa, Mustard oil, any seasonal fruit and a limited quantity of salt.
Should you take drugs to lower your cholesterol levels ?People with heart disease and people who are at high risk of heart disease may need to take cholesterol lowering drugs. The decision to treat Cholesterol levels with drugs is taken after blood cholesterol levels rise very high & also after taking into account other risk factors for heart disease. You should consult your doctor to find out which medication is suitable for you.
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