Just as oil and water in a glass do not mix, fats that need to be transported for the normal functions of the body cannot be transported by mixing with our water-based blood. Cholesterol; It is the state of fat molecules bound to carrier proteins that can be measured in the blood and is necessary for health. The problem is that some people produce much more cholesterol than they need. Compared to people with normal levels of cholesterol, those with high cholesterol have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. The higher your cholesterol, the higher your risk of encountering these problems.
What are benign and bad cholesterol?
There are several types of cholesterol. When your cholesterol levels are tested, you may hear your doctor mention the following:
- Total cholesterol (total cholesterol)
- LDL cholesterol: Also called 'bad' cholesterol. Because high LDL levels increase the risk of heart attack.
- HDL cholesterol: It is also called 'good' cholesterol among the public. Because the risk of heart attack, stroke/stroke and some other health problems is reduced in those with high HDL levels.
- Non-HDL cholesterol: It is found by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol.
How much cholesterol should be?
Everyone's target values are different. When determining what the goal should be, your doctor takes into account your age, past and present diseases, and lifestyle. However, in general, the values of a person with no heart disease are;
- Total cholesterol is below 200,
- LDL is below 130, much lower if the risk of heart disease or stroke is high. level,
- HDL above 60,
- Non-LDL cholesterol below 160, much lower if the risk of heart disease or stroke is high,
- Triglycerides 150 It should be below.
However, this should not be forgotten; Many people whose values are not like this may have a low risk of heart attack or stroke.
What is a triglyceride?
Triglycerides are not cholesterol, but They are fat-like substances found in the blood. It is found in everyone, but more in some people. koles Triglyceride testing is usually done when measuring terol. Compared to those with normal triglyceride levels, those with high blood levels have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, pancreatitis and other heart diseases. Those with very high triglyceride levels also have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. The pancreas is an organ that produces many hormones important for the body and fluids that help break down nutrients. Pancreatitis can lead to serious health problems.
What should be the triglyceride level?
You should consult a doctor about what the triglyceride level should be. The following risk factors taken into consideration in cholesterol treatment decisions are also used in the decision to reduce triglyceride levels.
- Normal level: below 150 (mg/dl)
- Slightly high: 150–499
- Moderately high: 500–886
- Very high: 887 and above
To lower cholesterol…
Ask your doctor to calculate your risk of heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol alone is not always cause for concern and is just one of many factors that determine your risk of heart attack/stroke. Other risk factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes diagnosis
- Overweight
- Heart disease at an early age in parents or siblings (under the age of 55 in men and under the age of 65 in women)
- Not eating a heart-friendly diet: Heart-friendly nutrition includes fruits-vegetables, fiber foods, healthy fats (such as fish). and nuts) as well as restricting sugar intake and avoiding unhealthy fats.
- Advanced age
- Being a man
Your risk of heart attack and stroke If it is high, high cholesterol is a problem that needs to be solved. Even if your risk is low, your doctor still decides on the treatment of high cholesterol.
Is medication the solution for high cholesterol?
Not everyone needs to take medication. Your doctor decides this by looking at your age, family history, and other factors about your health. Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins;
- If you have had a heart attack or stroke,
- If you have a known heart disease,
- If you have been diagnosed with diabetes,
- If you have a condition called peripheral artery disease, that is, you experience pain in your leg muscles while walking, You need to rest, if the arteries that feed your muscles are clogged with fat,
- If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, that is, if your main artery is enlarged at the level of the belly, you need to use it.
Many of those with these diseases have low cholesterol levels. should use a statin regardless. If your doctor starts statin treatment, you should continue it and not stop it. Using the drug may not make you feel any different, but it helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and death.
How to lower cholesterol?
Using the drug You can also lower LDL by making changes to your lifestyle. For this you can do the following:
- Avoid red meat, fried foods, fatty cheese and other foods containing saturated fats.
- Eat fiber foods such as fruits, legumes, peas and rye.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- By limiting sugar intake and avoiding processed and packaged foods.
- You can lower your cholesterol somewhat by being more active and exercising regularly. Although the effect of applying these substances on your cholesterol is small, it will have other positive effects on your health.
Does eggs raise cholesterol?
You can eat eggs without exaggeration. You may hear many stories about the benefits and harms of eggs. But the truth is this; Eggs are a good source of protein and do not raise cholesterol too much. Saturated fats (red meat, butter, processed foods) raise cholesterol more than eggs.
Foods that lower cholesterol
Scientists say There are also foods that are still undecided and whose benefits have not been proven. These are foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (fish, olives, olive oil). There are studies showing that its consumption reduces some of the bad cholesterol while also increasing the good cholesterol. People who eat rich in these nutrients have less heart disease than those who do not consume them. There is also data showing that people were caught in the trap. However, this evidence obtained from small patient groups is still not strong enough to enable us to make a definitive decision for the general population. There are also studies showing that hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and death
Read: 0
