Blood cholesterol is one of the most important constituents of the blood/body. It has varied bodily functions, and it builds up healthy cells. It is an essential constituent of the cell wall (membrane), and if the level of blood cholesterol falls below normal, the walls of the red blood cells (RBC) are likely to rupture, thus causing a severe fall in haemoglobin (Hb).
Cholesterol mainly comes from the diet, i.e. from butter, ghee (saturated fat), egg-yolk, non-vegetarian food. Sea food/fish contains a low content of saturated fat. However, polyunsaturated fats like safflower, corn, sunflower, soybean, and cotton seed oils, etc do not give rise to serum cholesterol levels in the blood. These are recommended both for prevention and treatment of high blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol is also synthesized/made in the body. It has got limited excretion. Some is passed in faeces/bile, but is mostly retained in the body. The level of blood cholesterol rises as soon as the person eats.
The normal blood cholesterol level should be between 150-199 mg/ dl, and if it is more than 240 mg/ dl, it is considered a high level of blood cholesterol. Patients having a blood cholesterol level between 200-239 mg/ dl are borderline cases. Both in high and borderline cases, repeated check-ups of blood cholesterol are required.
However, those with a normal level of blood cholesterol must get their blood it checked-up, at least every five years, especially after the age of 40. In general, all persons above the age of 20 must get their blood tested to exclude high levels of cholesterol.
In children above 2 years of age, blood may be tested for cholesterol levels in case they have a family history of high blood .cholesterol/ coronary artery disease / stroke.
Blood cholesterol level may increase when a woman is on oral contraceptives or is pregnant. The level tends to decrease after the pregnancy is over, or after oral contraceptives are stopped. It may take even 5-6 months to come to normal levels. Screening for high blood cholesterol must be carried out through medical camps/house-to-house surveys to locate patients suffering from this malady, as they require immediate treatment. Significant importance is now being given to the levels of cholesterol among the general population. It is very important to know the level of blood cholesterol in a person at an early age
Blood cholesterol can be tested at any biochemical laboratory, after recommendation from the physician. One must talk to one's physician about the testing of blood cholesterol. The cholesterol level should be checked while fasting in the morning, and if a person takes alcohol, he should avoid it for at least 48 hours before the test. Above all, .the test must be carried out by an experienced biochemist. If the blood cholesterol level is high, it is advisable that a lipidogram be done.
High levels of blood cholesterol are dangerous for the body. They cause narrowing, and even blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels supplying the heart) and blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes (paralysis, etc.) respectively. The chances of developing these diseases become higher if one has, in addition, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The risk also increases if one has a family history of high blood cholesterol/heart attack. The danger is also greater in persons who are addicted to heavy smoking/tobacco chewing, and have sedentary habits. In females the risk is much more after menopause.
High levels of cholesterol may lead to gallstones, and may even be responsible for cancers.
Article Source: http://www.BharatBhasha.com
Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/health.php/73672
Article Added on Monday, April 28, 2008
| Other Articles related to "Things To Know About High Blood Cholesterol" by Safron Jeen | |
How To Bring Back Normal Levels Of High Blood Cholesterol
Higher levels of blood cholesterol can be lowered if one reduces the intake of saturated fat such as ghee, butter, cream, egg-yolk, etc. Only 20% saturated fats are permissible in such cases. One should use polyunsaturated oils, and they must be used in the minimum quantity necessary for cooking purposes. If onion or garlic or both are added to saturated fats, blood cholesterol does not rise, because they hinder the absorption of fats from the gut. This may be the reason for the practice of...
High Levels Of Uric Acid In The Blood
High levels of uric acid in the blood are as dangerous as high levels of blood cholesterol. The public does not seem to be much aware of the risk involved. A high level of blood uric acid is a pushing factor in causing coronary artery disease, like high levels of blood cholesterol.
High levels of uric acid should be detected as early as possible, especially in persons who are prone to coronary artery disease/heart attack, or have a family history of heart attack or even stroke. The estimation...
How To Control Your Diabetes
When so diagnosed, the disease must be controlled energetically so that its complications are either prevented or treated. While treating diabetes, one must keep in mind that control of diet and exercise are two important tools in conquering this serious problem.
Patients are advised to take low-fat, low-calorie, sugar free / restricted and high-fibre diet. A low-fat diet is especially required when one has higher levels of blood cholesterol. In general also, a low-fat diet is recommended for...
What Is Congenital Heart Disease CHD
For general awareness of CHO, one is required to know about the anatomy of the heart for practical purposes.
'The heart is a four-chambered organ. The upper two (small) chambers are called auricles and the lower two (larger) are called ventricles. The auricles on each side are connected with their respective ventricles through an orifice/ opening, the left one is called mitral orifice and the right one is called tricuspid orifice. The orifices are guarded by valves (called the mitral valve...
General Instructions For Diabetics
1. Daily estimation of blood sugar levels
Daily estimation of blood sugar levels is necessary in all cases of diabetes - three times a day i.e. fasting, before lunch and dinner. However, at least twice daily measurement of blood sugar levels must be taken - fasting and before dinner. All diabetics are advised to use a blood glucose meter at home for a regular check-up of their blood sugar levels.
If a diabetic finds more/elevated sugar in his blood, he should analyse as follows:
(i) What...
Things To Know About Your Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the occult diseases which needs widespread awareness among people. It must be diagnosed as early as possible, especially in persons who have a family history of diabetes, are obese, in women who have given birth to overweight/ stillborn/ abnormal babies, and/or have elevated blood sugar, or pass sugar in urine during the period of pregnancy. Such persons are called prediabetics. An effective control of the disease is of vital importance so that prediabetics do not become...
Care Of Feet And Other Instructions For Diabetics
A diabetic is required to be extremely vigilant about his feet. If the feet are neglected, gangrenous changes may develop, when there may not be any alternative other than the removal of the gangrenous part of the foot/limb. The following should be strictly followed:
(i) The feet should be properly cleansed with soap and water. These should be properly dried, especially in between the toes.
(ii) If the feet tend to sweat, apply any powder, especially in between the toes.
(iii) Injury to...
Prophylaxis Of Rheumatic Fever RF Rheumatic Heart Disease RHD
Since the disease occurs primarily as a result of sore throat, through a specific group of organism i.e. group A streptococcus, therefore, prophylaxis of RF /RHD means prevention of sore throat. But the prevention of sore throat is not so simple as it may appear to be. There are a large number of cases of sore throat, and most of them are viral in nature, and out of the bacterial infection only a small number may be related to the specific organism i.e. group A streptococcus, responsible for...
|
| Articles In LimeLight | Stocking And Maintaining Your Goldfish Pond
By Lee Dobbins Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
How Can I Value My House?
By Ryan J Bell Added on Friday, April 18, 2008
Data Entry Services: What Are The Four I's?
By Alan Lim Added on Thursday, April 17, 2008
Selecting Laminate Flooring In Colors To Fit Your Home
By A.Caxton Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Guide To Buying The Nylon Stockings That Fits You
By Low Jeremy Added on Monday, April 21, 2008
Eva And Raroc In Banking Performance Metrics
By Sam Miller Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Truth About Hair Transplant Surgery
By Bertil Hjert Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Some Quick Relief Headache Remedies Work Wonders
By Ann Marier Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Last King Of Spain?
By Roger Munns Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
Control Your Acid Reflux Disease By Making Lifestyle Changes
By Tori A Hewitt Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
Hair Loss Prevention - Save Your Hair Now!
By Darren W Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Are The Columbus Schools Policies As Tough As Their Bullies??
By Patricia Hawke Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
How To Judge The Best Place To Invest In
By Jon Caldwell Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
Why Some Denver Homes Dont Sell?
By Bruce Swedal Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Latest On Basement Mold Removal
By Markus Skupeika Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Spirituality - Inspirational Stories ( Part 71 )
By Vish Writer / Swami Vivekananda Added on Friday, April 18, 2008
Bankruptcy vs. Credit Card Debt Counseling
By Ted Batron Added on Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cheap Car Loans Are Available
By Louis Rix Added on Sunday, April 20, 2008
How Much Sleep Is Enough?
By Gary M. Miller Added on Monday, April 21, 2008
Spirituality - Inspirational Stories ( Part 70 )
By Vish Writer / Swami Vivekananda Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008
|
|
|