Some Diseases Cholesterol Can Give You

Medical experts have known about the dangers of high cholesterol for many decades. It has associated with the development of a number of diseases that can lead to early death. The discovery of statin medications to lower cholesterol production in the body has been a great advance in the prevention of many diseases caused by high cholesterol.    

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not bad in itself. The human body makes its own cholesterol, which is a waxy substance that is important for tissue repair, membrane fluidity and production of bile for digestion. High cholesterol affects millions of people throughout the world and contributes to early deaths due to cardiovascular diseases.

The Good and the Bad


Cholesterol comes in two forms, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol because it tends to remain in the body and sticks to blood vessel walls. HDL cholesterol is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it helps to flush excess amounts from the body. Blood tests can determine how much of these two cholesterol components are in the bloodstream. When the LDL rate exceeds a certain number, the person is said to have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can be caused by the foods people eat and can also be caused by genetic factors.

Heart Disease

Normally, cholesterol flows freely through the body aiding in tissue repair and other physical processes. However, when too much cholesterol is available, it can sticks to the walls of blood vessels causing narrowing and blockage that can lead to heart disease. Some research suggests that this is more likely to occur when the blood vessel walls become inflamed by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Whatever the true cause, keeping your cholesterol within the recommended range can help to keep your cardiovascular system in good health.

Stroke

Just as the cholesterol can accumulate in the blood vessels of the heart, it can also create blockages of blood and oxygen to the brain. When blood cannot reach the brain properly, a stroke occurs. Brain cells are not fed by the blood supply, and they begin to die. Physicians routinely encourage their patients to lower their cholesterol levels to prevent these types of blockages from occurring.

Diabetes

High cholesterol is also associated with the development of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 generally occurs in people over the age of 40. It can contribute to heart disease and stroke as well as a number of other serious medical problems. Poor eating habits can cause high blood sugar levels. These in turn can cause an increase in LDL, the bad cholesterol. The LDL can become coated with blood sugar, which makes it harder for the cholesterol to be released from the body. These high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol can cause insulin resistance that may then develop into diabetes. If you think this article concerns you and you want to see some options of lowering it, click here to find out a little bit more before you worry. But if you get regular check-ups and live a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be able to manage it a lot easier than those who ignore this risk.


Sarah is a dietitian and love's handing out advice online as she knows that millions of people are too afraid to come in and ask questions. By writing about topics she hopes that everyone understands that many people suffer similar problems that are not to be ashamed about.