Levels of cholesterol and triglyceride

Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fat or lipids which are present in the bloodstream. They are both essential for proper functioning of the body. Cholesterol plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of the cell membranes and is also involved in the production of many important hormones.

Triglycerides are composed of fatty acids which supply the fuel necessary for functioning of the body tissues. Both cholesterol and triglycerides are vital to life. However in some cases the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides increase excessively and this can elevate the risk of developing heart disease.

Therefore it is important to keep these lipid levels in check.

The lipids are either produced in the body itself or are obtained from food. Dietary sources of cholesterol and triglycerides primarily include meat and dairy foods. When such foods are consumed, the fats are absorbed by the intestines and then transported into the bloodstream. They are then sent to the liver where they are broken down and processed. The liver is responsible for ensuring that each body tissue gets an adequate amount of cholesterol and triglycerides so that they can function properly. The fats reach the liver approximately 8 hours after eating a meal. In cases where there is no dietary intake of fat, the liver has to make cholesterol and triglycerides on its own. In fact, the liver manufactures about 75 percent of the cholesterol that is present in the body. The cholesterol and triglycerides are then collected in lipoproteins, which are like small packages. Certain types of proteins are also packed along with the cholesterol and triglycerides and the lipoproteins are then transferred into the blood for circulation. Whenever the cells have a requirement for cholesterol and triglycerides, they are released from the lipoproteins and incorporated into the cells.

LDL and HDL are terms we often hear when it comes to cholesterol levels. So just what are HDL and LDL? HDL or high density lipoprotein is termed as the ‘good’ cholesterol and LDL or low density lipoprotein is termed as the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In most cases, the cholesterol present in the blood stream is mainly LDL and only a small amount is obtained from HDL. High levels of LDL are unhealthy because it increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can cause the lipoprotein to adhere to the linings of the blood vessels. HDL is categorized as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Also when HDL levels are too low, the risk of heart problems is higher. HDL has a positive effect on the body because it is known to remove the excess deposits of cholesterol from the lining of the blood vessels. This cholesterol is then sent back to the liver to be processed. So if HDL levels are high, then a greater amount of excess cholesterol is taken out from the blood vessels.

There are various ways to increase HDL levels in the body. Exercise is one such effective way and research shows that duration is more important that intensity when it comes to elevating HDL cholesterol levels. Exercises such as walking, biking or jogging are the simplest ways to improve HDL levels. Weight gain can increase bad cholesterol levels and also decrease good cholesterol levels. Therefore those who are overweight or obese should focus on losing weight. Individuals who smoke will experience an elevation in HDL levels as soon as they quit smoking. It is also advisable to avoid consuming trans fatty acids through the diet. Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and the fat contained in nuts is actually beneficial and help to increase HDL levels. Another way to increase good cholesterol is to include soluble fiber in the diet by incorporating foods such as legumes, oats, fruits and vegetables. Home remedies for high cholesterol involve consumption of almonds which contain beneficial fats. Honey may also be consumed with warm water in the mornings to remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Another natural remedy for high cholesterol is cider vinegar combined with lemon juice.

Studies conducted in recent times have shown that there is also a link between heart disease and triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides in the blood constitute a condition known as hypertriglyceridemia which can elevate the risk of heart disease in women and men. Triglyceride levels may increase due to various factors such as obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism and intake of certain medications. It is possible to regulate triglyceride levels by adopting a healthy diet, performing regular exercise and managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Testing for cholesterol and triglycerides is recommended after every five years after the age of 20. In case their levels are found to be high, then testing should be repeated on a yearly basis.