Let’s make it clear CHOLESTEROL is good for us, we need cholesterol to make certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen, it helps our body build new cells, and insulate our nerves. One fact to be aware of is that the liver makes all the cholesterol we need but cholesterol also enters the body from food, such as animal-based foods like milk, eggs, and meat.

“What is "bad" about cholesterol isn't the substance itself — in fact, we can't live without it — but how much of it is in the bloodstream is the problem.”

BAD VS GOOD CHOLESTEROL

“The body packages cholesterol in two main particles: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called good cholesterol. Too much LDL in the bloodstream helps create the harmful cholesterol-filled plaques that grow inside arteries. Such plaques are responsible for angina (chest pain with exertion or stress), heart attacks, and most types of stroke”.

You should be aware of your cholesterol blood levels, which should be measured at least once every five years in everyone over age 20. This blood test is called lipid panel and they contain:

• Total Cholesterol

• LDL - Low-density lipoprotein aka BAD cholesterol

• HDL- High-density lipoprotein aka GOOD cholesterol

• TRIGLYCERIDES - Fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.)

WHAT CAUSES HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

The most common cause of high cholesterol is an unhealthy lifestyle. According to medlinegov this can include:

• Unhealthy eating habits, such as eating lots of bad fats. One type, saturated fat, is found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods. Another type, trans fat, is in some fried and processed foods. Eating these fats can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol.

• Lack of physical activity, with lots of sitting and little exercise. This lowers your HDL (good) cholesterol.

• Smoking, which lowers HDL cholesterol, especially in women. It also raises your LDL cholesterol.

Genetics may also cause people to have high cholesterol, that means make sure you know your family history. ASK QUESTIONS!!

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING?

PRAY!! Just kidding lol! You can pray about it but what you really need to do is to pick up the phone, call your doctor to make an appointment!!

Your blood results will come in forms of numbers which your doctor will be able to break down and explain to you. Keep in mind, the numbers by themselves are not enough to predict your risk of heart problems or to determine what you need to do to lower that risk. They are, instead, one part of a larger equation that includes your age, your blood pressure, your smoking status, and your use of blood pressure medicines. Your doctor will use this information to calculate your 10-year risk for serious heart problems. Then the two of you will develop a strategy for reducing that risk.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/cholesterol.

https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterol.html.

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol.

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/cholesterol_faqs/article_em.htm.

https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers#1.