High Cholesterol Keep it Out of the Blood!!! By : LANCY FERNANDES HSEM

Overview of Cholesterol  Cholesterol is a type of FAT (LIPID), found in the blood and body cells. It is carried in the blood attached to a protein in the form of : LDL,HDL & VLDL.  It is Essential for many VITAL body functions:  Formation & Maintenance of cell membranes  Formation of several Hormones  Production of bile salts which help digest food.  Conversion into Vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sunlight.  85% of cholesterol is ENDOGENOUS (Liver), 15% from DIET (Dietary Cholesterol)

Cholesterol + Triglycerides Lipoproteins VLDL HDLLDL LDH and HDL are forms in which fat and cholesterol get transported in the blood HDL good LDL bad

Why is Cholesterol Control important?  It is ONE of the MAJOR RISK FACTORS for Heart Disease.  High Cholesterol & other fats in the blood can lead to heart disease & Stroke.  It causes a condition Called “Atherosclerosis” i.e. Narrowing & Hardening of the arteries that supply the: – Heart, Brain, & Other organs

LDL The problem with cholesterol happens when special cells catch LDL and deposit the cholesterol out of it in the walls of the blood vessels. This is called ARTHEROSCLEROSIS. Too much Cholesterol Results in !! ??

LDL HDL HELP HDL HDL usually collects the bad cholesterol and takes it back to the liver. That is why HDL is known as “good cholesterol.” An easy way to remember that HDL is good H=Help, since HDL helps collect bad cholesterol and, therefore, helps prevent heart attack. What a blessing!!

Overview of the Artery

How is high Cholesterol detected? 1. Total Cholesterol (Non fasting) Your total cholesterol level is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. 2. Lipid profile (Lipoprotein Analysis): i.Total cholesterol ii.HDL Cholesterol iii.LDL Cholesterol iv.Triglycerides. A lipid profile requires you to fast for 12 hours before the test. This test, which most doctors use to help determine your risk for problems There are two types of Blood tests that determines High Cholesterol:

What is HIGH Cholesterol Total Cholesterol LevelsLDL Cholesterol Levels 6.2 mmol/L or more is High Cholesterol & it means you are at increased risk for heart disease. 4.1 mmol/L or more you are at higher risk for heart disease

Recommended level of Total Cholesterol High RiskBorderlineDesirable Total Cholesterol> – 6.2<5.2 LDL - Chol> – 4.1<3.4 HDL- Chol< – 1.55>1.56

Greater than Normal values  Very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels may mean you have  An inherited form of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia).  High cholesterol levels may also be related to other conditions, such as  Diabetes  Hypothyroidism  Kidney or Liver disease.  HDL cholesterol levels greater than 1.56 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) can help protect a person from developing coronary artery disease and Stroke. (Negative Risk Factor)

Lower than Normal values  Unusually low cholesterol levels may indicate  Liver disease (Cirrhosis or Hepatitis),  Malnutrition  Hyperthyroidism  HDL cholesterol levels lower than 1.04 mmol/L (<40 mg/dL) increase a person's risk of developing coronary artery disease, especially in people who also have high total cholesterol levels.

Coronary Heart Disease & Diabetes < 2.6 mmol/L Multiple (2+) risk factors < 3.4 mmol/L Zero to one risk factor Risk CategoryLDL- GOAL < 4.1 mmol/L Three RISK Categories

Risk Factors of High Cholesterol  A Family History  Age  Gender  Diet  Cigarette Smoking  Obesity  Medical Conditions: Diabetes, High BP  Stress

PDO Medical Laboratory Cholesterol Estimations Jan – Sept. 2003

Total Cholesterol analysed in PDO Lab

High Cholesterol in PDO

High Cholesterol by Age

High Cholesterol by Gender

LDL Cholesterol Estimations

High LDL Cholesterol Detected – Jan to Aug

High LDL Cholesterol by Ethnicity – Jan to Aug

Steps to Prevent High Cholesterol  Quit Smoking  Reduce Excess Weight  Increase Physical Activity  Maintain Normal Blood pressure  Control Diabetes, Hypothyroidism  Modify Diet

Tips for Eating smart  Limit saturated fats, like dairy fats (in ice cream and butter), palm and coconut oil (in baked goods) and Red meat and meat products.  Limit high-cholesterol foods, like egg yolks, organ meats (such as liver) and shellfish.  Choose lean cuts when you eat beef and lamb. Also eat smaller portions.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Eat a variety of fibre-rich foods, like oats, dark breads and apples.  Eat more boiled or grilled fish and skinless chicken breasts.  Avoid fried foods.  Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products.

Weight gain results from food intake being greater than physical activity Balancing the Equation

Weight loss results from food intake being less than physical activity Balancing the Equation

Weight maintenance occurs from food intake equaling physical activity Balancing the Equation

Beware - LDL cholesterol !  The main goal of checking your lipid profile is to determine your LDL ("bad") cholesterol.  Your LDL measurement is very important because:  Your LDL level helps your doctor determine if you are at risk for heart disease. Having a high LDL cholesterol level increases your risk of having a heart attack.  Lowering your LDL level reduces your risk for having a heart attack.  Elevated LDL cholesterol is the primary target of Treatment (Cholesterol-lowering therapy).  LDL value is also used to determine the most effective treatment approach:  Lifestyle Changes.  Medication, or both.

Its time for you to enjoy your Lunch “Cholesterol-Free”