Health Hazards Of Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol when the word comes to our mind, we mostly associate it with something that we need to control or reduce. Often, we are not aware of why it is required in our body. To brief about it, cholesterol is an essential component of the cell membranes, necessary for the synthesis of steroid hormones and also for the formation of bile acids and various other metabolites needed for the daily functioning of the body. It is produced by the liver and many other organs and is mostly ingested in the diet. However, like many scenarios, its intake has increased in comparison to its daily utility.

In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr. Kush Kumar Singh, Lab Head – Delhi Reference Laboratory, Metropolis Healthcare Limited shares the effects of bad cholesterol on people. Here is what he shared with us.

We all know recent changes in lifestyle which are predominantly sedentary now along with high intake of processed food leads to obesity and contributes to the alarming rise in cholesterol levels in all individuals. On top of that COVID pandemic has also made things worse, be it lockdown leading to restricted movements (work from home) and adding to sedentary lifestyle to the change in metabolism of the human body. Hence these factors have led to considerable rise in the cholesterol levels in the body and this phenomenon is now seen in all ages and sex.

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Types Of Cholesterol

Understanding the types of cholesterol is extremely important to achieve the target goal for treatment and lifestyle changes too. HDL cholesterol aka High-Density Lipoprotein is known as GOOD cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from other body parts to the liver. However, LDL is Low-density Lipoprotein is referred to as BAD cholesterol because its high level causes plaque building in arteries. So the VLDL cholesterol is considered BAD as it also contributes to deposition of plaque in the arteries.

Health Hazards Of Bad Cholesterol

Certain factors which contribute to rise in cholesterol are smoking and high consumption of alcohol. This is what is necessary to label cholesterol as Bad Cholesterol.

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Understanding the impact of high levels of cholesterol is also key to managing further. Complications arising from these can range from impact due to deposition of LDL cholesterol in the arteries of the body, specifically the heart, which can cause chest pain and even heart attack. Peripheral arterial diseases can also arise leading to pain in the legs. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is also the known consequence in such patients. In middle-aged people and elderly, it can lead to high blood pressure especially with early onset.

Measurement of blood cholesterol is done with the most common test Lipid Profile. This test requires an individual to do fasting for 12 to 14 hours before giving the sample and diet prior to fasting should be a normal diet. This test measures the blood levels of cholesterol in blood along with HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol. These all tests give a clear picture of individual status of body levels of cholesterol and what shall be the target goal. Every individual with abnormal levels can control these with dietary changes and with an active lifestyle too. However, in cases when these measures fail it is advised to seek help from a medical professional.