Cholesterol is a fat substance present in all our cells. It is essential to the formation of cell membranes and certain hormones. Cholesterol is bad but everybody needs a little cholesterol.

Cholesterol comes from two principal sources. It comes in part from what we eat, particularly from dairy products and fat found in meats. The other source of cholesterol, the most important, is produced by the liver.

These two sources of cholesterol are distributed by our blood stream throughout our body, with the help of carriers called lipoproteins. There are two types of carriers: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the "bad" cholesterol, the one which can obstruct blood vessels and cause arteriosclerosis (polluting agent). The HDL is the "good"

cholesterol, the one which picks up the cholesterol present in blood vessels and brings it to the liver (cleaning agent).

Cholesterol levels can he measured by a blood test. A blood test will indicate the total cholesterol level, and both the levels of "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

A high level of "bad" cholesterol or a low level of good" cholesterol is dangerous and may cause severe complications.

There is a relationship between the level of cholesterol in the blood and the development of arteriosclerosis. The excess cholesterol (bad cholesterol) forms plaques which deposit themselves on the walls of the arteries. These plaques harden and become larger. Hence, they reduce the diameter of the arteries and, thereby, hinder the circulation of blood and oxygen. These plaques may even completely block the blood vessels and bring on heart disease. Other possible complications are cerebrovascular trouble and intermittent claudication (limping).

The cholesterol level is influenced by two factors:

Cholesterol intake

It is important to reduce the intake of cholesterol, saturated and "Trans" fats. To do this, one should reduce consumption of egg yolks, dairy products, and meat. A dietitian can guide you in choosing good foods and will suggest appropriate menus.

Cholesterol produced by the liver

For some, a low cholesterol and a diet low in saturated fat are not enough to reduce the level of cholesterol to an acceptable one. Hence, a treatment with medication may be necessary. The majority of medications succeed in reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. These medications must be taken regularly. Pharmacists can provide tips that will help high cholesterol sufferers comply with their treatment plan.

More than half the general population has a total blood cholesterol of 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or higher. This level is considered borderline.

More than 20% of the general population has a dangerously elevated cholesterol level at more than 6.2 mmo/IL (240 mg/dL).

A 35 year old man with a total blood cholesterol of 7.0 mmol/L (270 mg/dL) is three times more at risk of developing a coronary heart disease (the cause of heart attacks), than if he has a blood cholesterol of 4.0 mmol/L (155 mmol/L).

Elevated blood cholesterol is only one of the risk factors associated with heart disease, stroke, and arteriosclerosis. Having a low blood cholesterol level should by no means be comforting, if other risk factors are present. These are:

High blood pressure

Obesity

Glucose intolerance

A family history of heart disease

Smoking

Impaired fasting blood glucose

Diabetes

Healthy Eating Tips

Plan your meals. The best way to eat well is to plan your grocery shopping.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, cereals, rice, and pasta should become the core of your diet.

Go easy on margarine, oils, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Avoid butter, shortenings, and other prepared fats.

Read the list of ingredients before buying any food product. Avoid food products containing «saturated fat», «animal fat», «shortening» and avoid any food with the word «hydrogenated» appearing on the label.

Get an adequate amount of calcium from dairy products containing a low percentage of fat like 1% milk, 2% cottage cheese or yogurt.

Check your fat intake by adding up the number of grams of fat you eat in a day. This intake should be about 90 g for men and 65 g for women.

Select lean cuts of meat and remove the skin and fat before grilling them without butter. Eat smaller portions of meat or replace meat by fish.

Do not compensate your low fat intake with foods high in sugar. Remember that you should not be gaining weight.

Try to have a well balanced diet. Eating a variety of healthy foods is recommended.

Consult a licensed dietitian.

 

These medicines have proven to be of great help for many people who cannot lower their cholesterol level with diet and exercise. People who benefit from these drugs, outweigh by far, the risks of side effects. Studies have shown they may reduce the risk of dying from coronary heart disease by 42%.

These drugs should be taken everyday. They are used for prevention and should never be skipped even if the patient feels good.

Since the liver produces cholesterol at night, these drugs should be taken before bedtime. The pharmacist can design a personalized drug schedule to help patients include their medication in their daily routine. This will help prevent heart disease.

Side effects are usually minor and may include constipation, abdominal pain, and flushing.

The pharmacist should be told about any side effects experienced by the patient. He might have an easy way to help you manage them.

Cholesterol lowering drugs should not he stopped without notice. This can be dangerous. If a side effect bothers a patient, he should ask for a replacement drug. There is more than one cholesterol lowering drug on the market, and it is simply a matter of finding the right drug for the right person.

 

Courtesy - Liverpool Pharmacy 715 Krosno Blvd

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