Screen Readers Skip to Content
🖶 Print page

Blood Cholesterol: Management and General Information

Updated/Revised Date: 2022-04-11
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Additional References: Cholesterol Information Publications

Synopsis: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the body that is actually needed for it to function normally. The human body produces sufficient amounts of cholesterol for its needs; when there is too much cholesterol in the body it is deposited in the arteries, to include arteries involved with the heart, potentially leading to a narrowing of these arteries and heart disease. High blood cholesterol presents a major risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Approximately seventeen-percent of all adults in America have high blood cholesterol.

advertisements

Main Document

Cholesterol is an organic molecule. It is a sterol (or modified steroid), a lipid molecule, and is biosynthesized by all animal cells because it is an essential structural component of animal cell membranes that is required to maintain both membrane structural integrity and fluidity. Cholesterol enables animal cells to not need a cell wall (like plants and bacteria) to protect membrane integrity/cell-viability and thus be able to change shape and move about (unlike bacteria and plant cells which are restricted by their cell walls).

High blood cholesterol presents a major risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Approximately seventeen-percent of all adults in America have high blood cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the body that is actually needed for it to function normally. The body produces sufficient amounts of cholesterol for its needs; when there is too much cholesterol in the body it is deposited in the arteries, to include arteries involved with the heart, potentially leading to a narrowing of these arteries and heart disease.

Blood Cholesterol Check and Control

(See our Blood Cholesterol Level Chart)

The presence of high blood cholesterol does not produce symptoms; many people are unaware that they have an elevated blood cholesterol level. There are ways to keep blood cholesterol levels within a normal range.

(Article continues below image.)

Diagram showing HDL (Good) and LDL (Bad) cholesterol in a vein/artery.
Diagram showing HDL (Good) and LDL (Bad) cholesterol in a vein/artery.
(Continued...)

Cholesterol is carried in blood in particles referred to as, 'Lipoproteins.' Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol on the inside with protein on the outside. There are two kinds of Lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDL's), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL's).

Excessive amounts of either total or LDL cholesterol in the blood presents a risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. People may have an excess of cholesterol due to their diet and because of the rate at which cholesterol is processed in their body. The majority of the excess cholesterol comes from the person's diet. Cholesterol may build up on the person's artery walls in their body, a buildup referred to as, 'Plaque.' Over a period of time, plaque may cause the person's arteries to narrow, a process referred to as, 'Atherosclerosis.' As a result, less oxygen-rich blood can pass through. When the arteries that carry blood to the person's heart become affected, coronary artery disease may result. A heart attack happens when the person's coronary artery becomes completely blocked, either by plaque buildup or by a plaque that either ruptures or bursts, causing a clot. The person may also develop angina due to plaque buildup. Angina occurs when the person's heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.

If a doctor discovers that a person's blood cholesterol is too high, they may prescribe various forms of treatment depending on that person's risks for the development of heart disease. The forms of treatment may include lifestyle changes involving diet, physical activity, and weight control. The doctor may prescribe certain statin drugs to manage cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes are still commonly a recommendation, even with medications.

Cholesterol Facts and Statistics

Tweet This Add to Facebook Post to Reddit

Subtopics and Associated Subjects


Latest Cholesterol Information Publications
How Low Should LDL Cholesterol Go with Statin Therapy? Article.
In high-risk population, achieving ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels, down to <10 mg/dL, safely results in additional lowering of risk of cardiovascular events.
Publish Date: 2017-08-28 - Updated: 2020-01-22
Efficacy of Statins Exaggerated Article.
Hailed as miracle drugs statin cholesterol lowering drugs not as effective or safe as we have been led to believe.
Publish Date: 2015-02-20 - Updated: 2019-11-21
Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis and Cognitive Disability Link Article.
Study results reveal importance of identifying early stage atherosclerosis to help preserve heart, cognition and brain health.
Publish Date: 2014-11-25

Additional Cholesterol Information Publications

advertisements

Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media such as Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page.

Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.


Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2022, April 11). Blood Cholesterol: Management and General Information. Disabled World. Retrieved June 1, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cardiovascular/cholesterol/

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/cardiovascular/cholesterol/">Blood Cholesterol: Management and General Information</a>