High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
What is cholesterol?
cholesterol, like triglycerides, is part of the body’s fat, also known as lipids. Lipids are present in the structure of all cells, as part of their membrane (envelope). They are used as raw material for the synthesis of some hormones and metabolized to produce energy. The blood cholesterol level depends in part on the amount and type of fat that is taken with food, but mainly comes from its manufacture by the body in the liver.
A high cholesterol level in blood is not a problem in the short term, but if kept for a long time, accelerates the development of atherosclerosis , arterial degenerative process associated with age, which is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries carry blood to different organs and body parts.
It is often said that there are two types of cholesterol: “good” cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the acronym) and the “bad”, which consists of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
LDL cholesterol transport and yield to all tissues and its excess promotes artery disease ( cardiovascular disease ). HDLs are, however, a beneficial effect, to collect and return excess cholesterol to the liver. In this way prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
The ratio between the two forms of cholesterol (LDL and HDL) is what actually influences the occurrence of atherosclerosis and its complications early age (which is called the cardiovascular risk for developing thrombosis in the heart , brain, etc.). .
The level of LDL cholesterol can be reduced with a diet low in fat and, if necessary, medication. HDL cholesterol level can be increased by exercise, reducing excess weight and stopping smoking.