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In this article, Mytour will introduce you to the world of What is Cholesterol? What is LDL Cholesterol? Understanding the risks and benefits of their increase and decrease. Keep reading for more insights from Mytour.
What is LDL Cholesterol? Risks and Benefits of Fluctuations
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in every cell of the human body. It is produced by the liver, and can also be found in certain foods such as meat and dairy products. While the body requires a certain amount of cholesterol for normal functioning, an excess in the blood can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
LDL Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol Explained
There are two main types of cholesterol - LDL cholesterol (considered harmful) and HDL cholesterol (considered beneficial). To elaborate:
LDL - Decoding the Low-density Lipoprotein
The Pros and Cons of Managing LDL Cholesterol
When LDL Cholesterol in the blood is excessively high, along with other compounds, it forms plaques that accumulate in the arteries, leading to the condition known as atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque accumulates in the arteries of the heart, making them rigid and narrower. This process slows or blocks blood flow to the heart, causing insufficient oxygen supply and resulting in chest pain or, in more severe cases, heart attacks.
How to Determine Your LDL Cholesterol Level?
Blood tests can measure the overall cholesterol level and specifically the LDL cholesterol level. The frequency of blood tests depends on age, risk factors, and family history. General recommendations include:
- For individuals under 19 years old:
+ First blood test between the ages of 9 - 11.
+ Children should be tested every 5 years.
+ If there is a family history of high blood cholesterol, heart disease, or stroke, testing should begin as early as age 2.
- For Individuals 20 Years and Older:
+ Recommended blood tests every 5 years.
+ Men aged 45 to 65 and women aged 55 to 65 should undergo blood tests every 1 - 2 years.
Factors Influencing LDL Cholesterol Levels
Various factors can impact LDL cholesterol levels, including:
- Dietary Habits: Saturated fat and cholesterol in food contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels.
- Body Weight: Excess weight tends to increase LDL levels, decrease HDL levels, and raise overall cholesterol levels.
- Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles may lead to weight gain, potentially increasing LDL levels.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces HDL cholesterol, the beneficial type that helps remove fat from the body through the liver. Low HDL can result in higher LDL levels.
- Age and Gender: Older individuals typically have higher cholesterol levels. Before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels compared to men of the same age. After menopause, LDL levels in women tend to rise.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic inheritance also plays a role in cholesterol levels.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including steroids, some blood pressure medications, and HIV/AIDS treatments, may increase LDL levels.
- Other Factors: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS can lead to higher LDL levels.
What is the Ideal LDL Cholesterol Level?
Lower LDL cholesterol levels are better, as higher LDL levels can increase the risk of heart diseases and related issues.
How to Lower LDL Cholesterol?
There are two effective ways to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood, including:
- Adopting healthier lifestyle habits:
+ Heart-healthy diet: Embrace a heart-healthy diet by limiting saturated and trans fats in your daily food intake.
+ Weight management: If overweight, weight loss solutions can help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood.
+ Regular physical activity: Engage in regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes/day).
- Medication usage: Various cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, are available. These medications may have different side effects. It's advisable to consult with doctors or pharmacists for better guidance.
Some individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) may undergo treatment through lipoprotein apheresis.
In this article, Mytour introduces the essence of Cholesterol - What is it? What is LDL cholesterol? Understanding the impact and benefits of cholesterol fluctuations. Hopefully, this piece has provided you with valuable insights into cholesterol and its various types. Additionally, explore what KOLs are - the list, pricing of Vietnamese KOLs, a trending marketing approach nowadays.
