LIFE STARTS AT 60+
The Silent Killer
According the NHS, high levels of cholesterol affect some 60 percent of the UK’s population
T
he first thought when it comes to cholesterol is often negative, yet this fatty substance, also known as a lipid, is essential for good health and the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance within the cells in the body. It forms a protective barrier within our cells, plays a key role in hormone production and aids the liver in producing bile which is vital for healthy digestion. Above-average levels of cholesterol become increasingly common in people as they reach their 40s, 50s and 60s. As we age, it is imperative to undergo regular blood cholesterol checks and keep our lifestyle under control to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
GOOD VS BAD
Cholesterol can be generally divided into groups of ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It’s when too much ‘bad’ cholesterol—which sits above five millimoles per litre of blood (>5mmol/L)—builds up in the body that it becomes potentially harmful to our health. 102 DEAR DOCTOR WITH DR CHRIS STEELE
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Did you know? More than half of all adults in England have raised cholesterol (more than >5mmol/L) Source: heartuk.org.uk
Cholesterol is carried to and from cells via proteins; when combined, they form lipoproteins. When medical professionals talk about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ proteins, they are referring to the two major types of lipoprotein: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL—or the ‘good’ cholesterol— travels via blood cells to the liver, delivering unneeded cholesterol and eliminating bad cholesterol along the way. HDL reduces the risk for serious conditions such as heart attacks, angina and stroke—a group
of conditions collectively referred to as cardiovascular disease. LDL, on the other hand, can prove to be harmful if high levels reside in the body. LDL can cause plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries, subsequently restricting the blood flow to the heart, which can lead to heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, research now shows that other bad elements of cholesterol, collectively referred to as non-HDL cholesterol, need to be taken into consideration when measuring cholesterol levels. Non-HDL cholesterol includes intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)—which is produced in the liver and travels through the bloodstream to supply body tissue with triglycerides—and lipoprotein(a). High levels of all of these types of cholesterol provide a clear indicator for the risk of developing heart disease.
FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA
High levels of bad cholesterol tend to
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06/08/2018 16:41