General Information About Cholesterol
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a fat-like substance essential for life, produced in the liver and acquired through food, to build the membrane of all cells in the body, produce hormones (testosterone/estrogen), and synthesize bile acids.
LDL (Bad Cholesterol): Carries cholesterol to the vessels; when there is too much, it settles on the vessel wall and causes blockages (plaque).
HDL (Good Cholesterol): Sweeps up the bad cholesterol accumulated in the vessels and carries it back to the liver to be cleared, protecting the vessels.
The biggest factor is familial (genetic) predisposition. Besides this, consuming a diet high in solid fats (margarine, butter) and fried foods, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking elevate LDL levels to dangerous proportions.
High cholesterol is a completely silent and insidious condition; it does not produce any physical symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or numbness. However, when it blocks a vessel, it suddenly manifests as a heart attack or stroke.
With a 'Lipid Profile' test performed on a blood sample taken in the morning after 10-12 hours of fasting, the levels of Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides are clearly measured in milligrams.
No. Initially, a diet where animal fats are reduced, focusing on olive oil and omega-3 (fish) (Mediterranean diet), and regular walking are started. If it remains high despite diet and exercise, or due to genetic reasons (or if there is a risk of a heart attack), medications from the Statin group that stop cholesterol production are prescribed by the doctor for lifelong use.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
