Cholesterol is a waxy, oil-based substance that is both good and bad for the body when present at normal levels. It is produced by your body and you take it through your food also.  Cholesterol helps in many body functions like contributing to the structure of cell walls, making up digestive bile acids in the intestine, allowing the body to produce vitamin D, enabling the body to make certain hormones.

But above the marked level, it can become a silent killer for the person. High cholesterol is the main reason for Heart attacks.

In the human body, Lipoproteins help in traveling of the cholesterol. There are two types of lipoproteins that can carry cholesterol are:

HDL- High Density lipoprotein- it is Good cholesterol

LDL- Low Density lipoprotein- it is Bad cholesterol

If the level of LDL goes high, cholesterol can build up in your arteries, making it hard for your heart to circulate blood through your body. The condition is also termed as Atherosclerosis. When your body can’t circulate blood properly, you are at risk of heart disease and stroke. The level of LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL.

HDL levels should be kept higher. The normal level is 60mg/dL or higher.

Causes of High Cholesterol level can be:

Taking fats through animal foods, meat, cheese, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried, and processed foods.

Excess weight or obesity

Genetic factors

Diabetes

Pregnancy

Hormonal imbalance

How to prevent High Cholesterol level:

To reduce the High cholesterol level, a person has to make some major changes in his/her lifestyle. He has to adopt the healthy eating habits, regular exercise for 30minutes a day, if you are a smoker or alcoholic, you have to stop it. Maintain body weight because obesity is a major cause of increased cholesterol level.

If you have any problem related to the heart or you want to know about your cholesterol levels or want to get them checked, talk to your cardiologist or family Doctor.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Jugaadin .com does not claim responsibility for this information.