Understanding Your Cholesterol Level

Heart disease is the No.1 killer in Malaysia, and of the main causes of this is high blood cholesterol levels. Studied have found that a 10% decrease in total blood cholesterol levels can reduce the incidence of heart disease by as much as 30%.

In Malaysia, delicious food such as nasi lemak, roti canai, mamak fried noodle, char kueh teow, mutton briyani and the list goes on are unhealthy and rich in cholesterol. Apart from the excessive  cholesterol content, they are also high in saturated fat and trans fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance found in all of the body's cells and transported throughout the body via the bloodstream. It's either produced by the liver or absorbed from the foods you eat.

Interestingly, the majority of cholesterol in your blood is manufactured by your own body, mainly by your liver and only 20% comes from the food you consume, especially animal based foods like milk products and meat as well as some cooking oil.

Good Vs Bad Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol (Bad)

LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. 

If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. If a blood clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result. Another condition called peripheral artery disease can develop when plaque buildup narrows an artery supplying blood to the legs. 

HDL Cholesterol (Good)

All the cholesterol isn't the same. There’s HDL cholesterol “good”. It’s considered “good” because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Expert believe HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL  cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body.

A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may also protect against heart attack and stroke, while low level of HDL cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. 

Let's Check Your Cholesterol Level

Keeping your cholesterol level healthy is a great way to keep your heart healthy and lower your risk and chances of getting heart disease and stroke. 

Cholesterol readings generally include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is important to take note of all 3 readings and not just total cholesterol. 

Cholesterol Reading

Total Cholesterol [mmol/L (mg/dl)] 
Desirable: <5.2 (<200) 
Borderline High: 5.2 - 6.2 (200 - 239) 
High: >=6.2 (>=240)

LDL Cholesterol [mmol/L (mg/dl)] 
Desirable: <3.3 (<130) 
Borderline High: 3.3 - 4.1 (130 - 159)
 High: >=4.1 (>=160)

HDL Cholesterol [mmol/L (mg/dl)] 

Acceptable: >=0.9 (>=35) 

Sources From:

http://www.sharecare.com/health/high-cholesterol/health-guide/heart-health-improve-cholesterol/sources-of-cholesterol
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Health/2013/10/06/Drink-to-reduce-cholesterol.aspx/

http://www.yjm.org.my/index.cfm?menuid=35#sthash.b8cbdjtY.dpuf

http://www.pouted.com