Demystifying cholesterol and lipoproteins

Cholesterol is a lipid fatty acid molecule found in cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma.

Cholesterol is required in moderation as it performs an array of significant functions:

• Intracellular transport
• Nerve conduction
• Synthesis of Vitamin D
• Membrane fluidity
• Important precursor in the synthesis of hormones like cortisol, progesterone, estrogens and testosterone

Cholesterol is insoluble in blood and hence is carried in the circulatory system by transporters (cholesterol is carried within lipoproteins)

These lipoproteins also contain cell signals which help in carrying the cholesterol to specific tissues.

There are 4 different types of lipoproteins depending on the density. However in this post let’s consider HDL and LDL in detail.

You must probably be thinking that LDL is the good boy and HDL is the bay boy. Wrong

Low dense lipoproteins are less dense, because they have high amount of cholesterol and lower amount of proteins. LDL transports cholesterol from liver to tissues. If there is already too much cholesterol in tissues, it starts dumping it in arteries. This, over a period of time leads to atherosclerosis.

High dense lipoproteins or HDL are the ones with high levels of proteins. HDL particles are thought to transport cholesterol back to the liver for excretion or to other tissues that use cholesterol to synthesize hormones.

So remember it clearly. LDL is bad. HDL is good

Healthy cholesterol levels:

There are three basic standards for total blood cholesterol:

- Desirable — Less than 200 mg/dL
- Borderline High Risk — 200–239 mg/dL
- High Risk — 240 mg/dL and over

Desirable:

• The ideal amount
• Very low risk
• Physical exercise to keep the levels low is recommended

Borderline high risk:

Not everyone in the margin 200-239 falls under the risk. Exercise and controlled intake of saturated fats is recommended. Some of them might have higher levels of HDL and this might reflect in the result.

High Risk:

High risk category. A detailed test to ascertain the levels of various fats should be done. Your doctor will accordingly advice you on diet and exercise

The total blood cholesterol is derived from three components:

·         LDL Cholesterol
·         HDL cholesterol
·         Triglycerides

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Less than 100 mg/dL (Normal)
130 to 159 mg/dL (Borderline High)
160 to 189 mg/dL (High)
190 mg/dL and above (Very High)

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Less than 40 – Higher risk for heart disease.
60 or higher – reduces your risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides

Less than 150 mg/dL (Normal)
150–199 mg/dL (Borderline-high)
200–499 mg/dL (High)
500 mg/dL or higher (Very high)

High triglycerides are seen in conditions like:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle

Other Risk Factors for Heart Diseases

• If you are a man over 50 years of age
• Cigarette smoking
• If you have escaped a heart attack previously
• Obesity (Body Mass Index >30)
• Women who are past menopause

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