Cholesterol – Ask Your Pharmacist
A CAPSULAR MOMENT
CHOLESTEROL
By David Bodunde
What is Cholesterol and where does it come from?
Cholesterol is a soft, fat like substance found in the blood and in all the body’s cells. It’s an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes, some hormones and other needed tissue.
People get cholesterol in two ways. The body, through the liver, produces varying amounts usually about a 1000mg daily. Another 400 to 500mg can come directly from foods. Foods from animal sources (especially egg yolk, meat, fish, poultry and whole milk dairy products) contain it while foods from plants do not. Typically the body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so people don’t need to consume it.
A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Hypercholesterolemia is the term for high levels of blood cholesterol.
What is LDL Cholesterol?
Low density lipoprotein or LDL is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. It carries about 60 to 80 percent of the body’s cholesterol. Some of this cholesterol is used by tissues to build cells, and some is returned to the liver. If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries feeding the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque and contribute to atherosclerosis. That is why LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol. Lower level of LDL reflects a lower risk of heart disease. A high level of LDL (160mg and above) reflects an increased risk of heart disease.
What is HDL Cholesterol?
About one third to one fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high density lipoprotein or HDL. It is a flat, disk like particle produced primarily in the liver and intestines and released into the blood stream. Medical experts think HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body. It is also believed that HDL removes excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques and thus slows their growth. HDL cholesterol is “good” cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against heart attack. In addition people with low HDL levels have a higher risk for heart attacks or strokes.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Cholesterol?
Lowering LDL cholesterol involves losing excess weight, exercising regularly, and following a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
There are many different types of foods to reduce your cholesterol naturally, such as Oatmeal and Oat bran, Walnuts, Almonds, Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acid and ground flaxseed. Soy does not help lower cholesterol but it does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fibre.
Medications to Lower Cholesterol
Medications are prescribed when lifestyle changes cannot reduce the LDL cholesterol to desired levels. Drug treatments control but do not cure high cholesterol, therefore you must continue taking your medicine to keep your cholesterol level in the recommended range.
The five major types of cholesterol lowering medicines are:
Statins
- Very effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels
- Safe for most people
- Side effects are liver and muscle problems
Bile Acid Sequestrants
- Helps lower LDL cholesterol
- Sometimes prescribed with statins
Nicotinic
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol
Fibrates
- Lowers triglycerides
- May increase HDL
Ezetimide
- Lowers LDL cholesterol
- Acts within the intestine to block cholesterol absorption
There are usually no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol as a result many people don’t know that their cholesterol is too high.
Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 5 years. You and your doctor can discuss how often you should be tested
Information obtained from the heart and stroke foundation.
MORE INFO
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
To speak with David Bodunde, Rph in person, call 826.3888 or visit the
Manitouwadge Pharmacy,
Unit 2, Hallmarket Square, Manitouwadge
The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your
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