Cholesterol Information?
The subject of cholesterol is one which has received considerable publicity for a number of years now. Many people are aware that there are basically two types of cholesterol, and that too much of the wrong type can be a major factor in heart disease and strokes. Beyond that, a great number of people possess little information about the subject. Our object here will be to shed a little light on what exactly cholesterol is, how it works, and what you can do if your doctor has told you that you have a "cholesterol problem".
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring component of the human body and is present in every cell . Its is essential for human life, as the alternative to having no cholesterol in the body is death.
Cholesterol is a type of fat referred to as a lipid and is present throughout the body. It is composed of a soft, wax-like substance that is found within the bloodstream and in all of the cells of the body. It is used by the body in the formation of healthy cell membranes, for some hormones, vitamin D production, and the production of bile which aids in fat digestion. As cholesterol is unable to dissolve in blood, it is transported to the cells by special carriers known as lipoproteins. There are several kinds of lipoproteins, however the ones of greatest concern here are the High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), and the Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL).
The major cholesterol carrier in the bloodstream is LDL, or low density lipoprotein. Too much LDL circulating in the blood will create a buildup on the delicate walls of the arteries which supply blood to the body. Along with other components, the result can be the formation of plaque, which is a thick hard deposit on the arterial walls. These deposits can eventually create a narrowing or clogging of the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, and results in reduced blood flow to the organs of the body. A clot forming near these plaques can break off and completely or partially block an artery resulting in a a heart attack or stroke. Hence, LDL has gained the notoriety as the "bad cholesterol".
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