According to Dr. Nicky Montoya, president and CEO of MediCard, “People cannot live without cholesterol. Health risks increase when there is more bad cholesterol than good cholesterol in the body.”
Good and bad cholesterol
Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are responsible for carrying cholesterol to the tissues and are often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDLs are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
In contrast, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) transport excess cholesterol back to the liver for processing and excretion. The higher the levels of HDLs, known as “good” cholesterol, the lower the risk of heart disease.
Do we need cholesterol in our bodies?
Contrary to popular belief, the body requires a significant amount of cholesterol to function properly. The liver produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day, which is the amount the body needs.
Cholesterol is crucial for cell structure, healthy brain development, and the production of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. It also plays a role in metabolism, as cholesterol helps the body produce vitamin D. Additionally, cholesterol produces bile acids that aid in the digestion of fats and the absorption of essential nutrients.
Dr. Montoya states, “A healthy HDL level may protect against heart attacks and strokes. The more HDL you have, the lower your risk of developing heart disease.”
Conversely, excessive levels of LDL can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques that narrow arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High LDL levels can result in atherosclerosis, a dangerous buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls, which restricts blood flow. This condition can cause chest pain and heart attacks if it occurs in the heart’s arteries, or strokes if it affects the arteries in the brain.
Low cholesterol levels can also pose health risks. “Some pregnant women with low total cholesterol are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight. Low total cholesterol levels have also been associated with cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, anxiety, and depression,” Dr. Montoya explains. He recommends maintaining a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), which is approximately the average for adults.
What can you eat to stay healthy?
Keeping cholesterol levels within a normal range is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to a longer life. Diets that are high in saturated fats—often found in fatty meats, processed meats, junk foods, and baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and pastries—can raise cholesterol levels.
To improve cholesterol health, it’s recommended to include lean meats and fish in your diet at least twice a week. Additionally, engaging in at least two and a half hours of exercise each week can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels.
Dr. Montoya highlights the importance of avoiding smoking because it damages the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the accumulation of fatty deposits. Additionally, he recommends having regular cholesterol tests to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Regular testing is especially important for individuals who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight, consume alcohol frequently, smoke, or have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or an underactive thyroid. It is advisable to start these tests every five years beginning at age 20.
To help individuals understand their cholesterol levels, MediCard operates clinics in major cities across the country that provide blood cholesterol tests and consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check their website, www.medicardphils.com, for further details.
