The Importance Of Cholesterol Ratio
Cholesterol levels (CHO) is carried around in the bloodstream by one of three carrier molecules, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). The ideal cholesterol ratio is one where the amount of HDL-CHO in the bloodstream is higher than that of LDL-CHO.
Cholesterol is a polycyclic hydrocarbon containing an alcohol group. It belongs to a class of organic molecules known as steroids. It forms an essential part of human cell membranes, helping to stabilize them. Without it, our bodies would fall apart. It also helps to insulate nerve fibers and therefore helps them to transmit nerve impulses. Thirdly, it is the starting material for the biosynthesis of several different hormones, molecules that carry signals around the body and influence the activity of genes.
There are several ways of expressing the CHO ratio. One way is compare the level of HDL with the amount of LDL and express them as a fraction, either LDL:HDL or HDL:LDL. Another method is to calculate the total CHO. This is the cheapest method and takes into account levels of HDL, LDL and another lipid, very low density lipid or VLDL. However, LDL:HDL expresses the bad:good cholesterol ratio and is a better indicator of heart disease. The introduction of ultracentrifuge technology in the 1970s made these measurements possible.
Whichever way it is expressed, too high a cholesterol level can lead to a myriad of health problems. High levels can result in fatty deposits, called atheroma, to adhere to the inner lining of the arteries, resulting in possible blockage. Another name for this is atherosclerosis. Over a period of years, it can build up to dangerous levels and interfere with smooth blood flow through the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can cause problems in the peripheral blood circulation, in the vasculature of the brain and it can cause heart disease. In the peripheral circulation, atherosclerosis can narrow the peripheral arteries, a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). In the brain, it can lead to a blood clot, or thrombus, or it can cause a stroke. In the heart, it can lead to angina or heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI for short).
Eating a healthy, low-fat diet, exercising regularly and controlling weight all help keep CHO levels in check, thus reducing the risks of PVD, cardiovascular events and heart problems. Quitting smoking and regulating blood pressure also make an important contribution to a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping your cholesterol ratio healthy helps prolong a healthy life by reducing the chance of heart and circulatory problems. Staying away from fatty foods is essential. Those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease just have work that much harder to stay healthy.
Cholesterol is a polycyclic hydrocarbon containing an alcohol group. It belongs to a class of organic molecules known as steroids. It forms an essential part of human cell membranes, helping to stabilize them. Without it, our bodies would fall apart. It also helps to insulate nerve fibers and therefore helps them to transmit nerve impulses. Thirdly, it is the starting material for the biosynthesis of several different hormones, molecules that carry signals around the body and influence the activity of genes.
There are several ways of expressing the CHO ratio. One way is compare the level of HDL with the amount of LDL and express them as a fraction, either LDL:HDL or HDL:LDL. Another method is to calculate the total CHO. This is the cheapest method and takes into account levels of HDL, LDL and another lipid, very low density lipid or VLDL. However, LDL:HDL expresses the bad:good cholesterol ratio and is a better indicator of heart disease. The introduction of ultracentrifuge technology in the 1970s made these measurements possible.
Whichever way it is expressed, too high a cholesterol level can lead to a myriad of health problems. High levels can result in fatty deposits, called atheroma, to adhere to the inner lining of the arteries, resulting in possible blockage. Another name for this is atherosclerosis. Over a period of years, it can build up to dangerous levels and interfere with smooth blood flow through the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can cause problems in the peripheral blood circulation, in the vasculature of the brain and it can cause heart disease. In the peripheral circulation, atherosclerosis can narrow the peripheral arteries, a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). In the brain, it can lead to a blood clot, or thrombus, or it can cause a stroke. In the heart, it can lead to angina or heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI for short).
Eating a healthy, low-fat diet, exercising regularly and controlling weight all help keep CHO levels in check, thus reducing the risks of PVD, cardiovascular events and heart problems. Quitting smoking and regulating blood pressure also make an important contribution to a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping your cholesterol ratio healthy helps prolong a healthy life by reducing the chance of heart and circulatory problems. Staying away from fatty foods is essential. Those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease just have work that much harder to stay healthy.
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