Let’s talk about cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body receives from the food we eat, synthesized in the liver and intestines. Foods high in cholesterol include egg yolk, oysters, squid, shrimp, and animal organs. If cholesterol in the blood is at a high level, it can cause hardened and narrowed blood vessels.

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is derived from the food we eat, and also produced in the body. Foods high in triglycerides include various types of animal fats. Some benefits to triglycerides are that they provide energy, help absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, and make food soft and tasty. People with very high levels of triglycerides are at risk of developing inflamed and damaged liver, as well as heart disease.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a high-density lipid that has the function of removing cholesterol from the liver. Therefore, having high HDL levels will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasing HDL levels can be achieved through eating foods rich in HDL, exercising, and taking certain medications.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a bad type of fat that mainly comes from animal fats. High LDL levels cause cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels, making them thick and hard, which increases the risk of high blood pressure. Low LDL levels are desirable.

The danger of high cholesterol is that the excess fat can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, making them thick and hard, which can potentially block the vessels. If this happens in the blood vessels of the heart, it can cause heart disease. If it happens in the blood vessels that supply the brain, it can cause a life-threatening stroke. If the blood vessels that supply the legs are affected, it can cause pain while walking and may eventually lead to gangrene.

Desired lipids levels:

CHOLESTEROL should be less than 200 mg/dL

TRIGLYCERIDE should be less than 200 mg/dL

HDL should be greater than 35 mg/dL

LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL

Actions to control blood lipids:

Control diet - foods that should be reduced include high-fat foods, red eggs, animal organs, fried foods, seafood such as oysters, squid, shrimp, etc.

Avoid beverages such as beer, alcohol, sweets, flour, and sugar which can accumulate as triglycerides.

Control body weight - do not become overweight.

Regular exercise as appropriate can help burn fat.

Blood tests should be conducted at least once or twice a year to measure fat levels in normal people, but if high, follow the doctor's advice.