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Cholesterol is fat-like matter in the body. The liver produces bulk of the cholesterol in the body, and some of it come from the diet we consume.

The human body requires cholesterol to carry out some important functions, for example, cholesterol is vital to maintain cell membranes and create critical hormones. Cholesterol is also used by the body to make vitamin D from sunshine.

However, not all cholesterol is good for the body. Cholesterol is classified into two categories good and bad. Since cholesterol cannot melt in the blood, lipoproteins are the carriers of cholesterol to and from the cells.

LDL is also called low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol, while, HDL or high density lipoprotein is acknowledged as the good cholesterol.

An excess amount of LDL or bad cholesterol accumulates inside the walls of the arteries that carry the oxygenated blood to supply to various parts of the body. Gradually, cholesterol builds up the plaque inside the arteries, hardens and narrows them, and restricts their performance. Eventually, a clot is formed, which completely blocks the arteries and causes a fatal heart attack or stroke.

Causes of High Cholesterol

There are diverse causes of high cholesterol which range from lifestyle, genes, age groups, sex and ethnicity.

Lifestyle causes

• Diet and Nutrition: Saturated fats present in foods like red meat, cakes, some forms of cheese, sausages, pies, biscuits, cream, and pastries shoot up cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Obesity: Obese or overweight people who lead sedentary lives are most likely to have high LDL (bad cholesterol) and low HDL (good cholesterol)
• Cigarettes and Alcohol: People who smoke and consume large amounts of liquor have considerably increased LDL levels as compared to nonsmokers and people who avoid alcohol or limit the consumption.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions may cause an increase in LDL levels. However, they are all treatable conditions. These are as follows:

• Liver diseases
• Hypertension
• Kidney diseases
• Diabetes
• High triglyceride levels
• Less active thyroid gland

Incurable Factors

• Sex: Men are at a greater risk than women.
• Genes: People with a family history of coronary heart disease are at the risk of high LDL.
• Premature Menopause: Women who suffer from an early menopause may be prone to higher cholesterol levels.
• Ethnicity: People from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Indian sub-continent) are at an increased risk of high cholesterol levels.

Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease

As per the American Heart Association following are the major risk factors of heart disease:

• Old age
• Male gender
• High cholesterol
• Genetics
• Race
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Lack of activity
• Diabetes

Link between Heart Disease and Cholesterol

There have been innumerable researches and studies conducted till date to ascertain the real link between heart disease and cholesterol. Almost all, the researchers have found a strong connection between the two.

Cholesterol is carried to the places in the body where it is required, by means of LDL and the remaining cholesterol is carried back to the liver through HDL. When LDL levels surpass their normal quantity heart disease will manifest. LDL gathers in the arteries and forms plaque. The plaque hardens the arteries and cramps them. When this takes place, the blood flow to the heart is hampered, and if the arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack is inevitable.

Studies have found that people in the high risk group are strongly recommended to reduce their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can be curbed or kept under check by proper medication and lifestyle improvements. It is important and wise to check the cholesterol levels in the blood at regular intervals and consult the doctor if anything inappropriate is found.

References

• http://www.cdc.gov

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