What is cholesterol? Here are 7 things that are frequently asked about

The 20s are usually the time when young people enjoy a free lifestyle. Maintaining the food you eat, sleep patterns, and exercise seem less important because of the busyness and pressure at hand. In fact, those of you aged 20 years and over are more susceptible to various diseases as a result of naturally increasing cholesterol levels. So, it is important for you to understand what cholesterol is and its things from an early age. Then, what is cholesterol?

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a compound with fat-like properties that lives naturally in almost every part of your body such as the brain, nerves, muscles, intestines, liver and heart. Cholesterol comes from two sources, produced by the liver or through the foods you eat.

What is the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?

There are two types of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol that is needed by the body is known as good cholesterol or high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL's job in the body is to dispel and prevent the build-up of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Meanwhile, bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) amounts to 60 to 70 percent of total cholesterol levels in the body. LDL can build up in the arteries and cause various heart diseases.

What is the normal level of cholesterol in the body?

The normal cholesterol number recommended by doctors is generally below 200. If you do a cholesterol level test, make sure you get a breakdown of the HDL and LDL results as well. A good HDL level is 60, but the higher the number the better for you. Meanwhile, a safe LDL level is below 100. You should consult directly with your doctor to find out what cholesterol levels are normal for your body. According to American Heart Association , You need to check your cholesterol level at least every five years. You can also do self-examination at home with the help of medical devices.

The danger of a cholesterol level that is too high

LDL cholesterol levels that are too high are harmful to health. LDL will accumulate in the arteries to form plaque which will block blood circulation in the body. If an artery that pumps blood to the brain gets blocked, you are at risk of having a stroke. If what is blocked is an artery that supplies blood to the heart, you are at risk of having a heart attack.

Symptoms and signs of high cholesterol

High cholesterol levels generally show no symptoms or signs beforehand. High cholesterol can only be detected by undergoing a blood test that can measure the cholesterol levels in your body. Dizziness or headache that many people with high cholesterol levels complain about is a symptom of a stroke, not a symptom of high cholesterol itself.

What are the triggers for high cholesterol?

There are various kinds of things that can trigger high cholesterol levels. However, luckily these things you can prevent and control in order to maintain normal cholesterol levels.

1. Diet

Eating foods and drinks that are high in cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fats can increase your cholesterol levels. So, as much as possible balance it by eating vegetables and fruits, wheat and nuts, and foods that are boiled or baked, not fried.

2. Weight

Being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease caused by high cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, maintaining an ideal body weight can help stabilize good and bad cholesterol levels in the body.

3. Physical activity

Lack of exercise and physical activity risks increasing your cholesterol levels. Try to exercise regularly every day for at least 30 minutes.

4. Age and gender

At the age of 20, cholesterol levels in the body will begin to naturally increase. As you get older, cholesterol levels will increase more easily. Usually, cholesterol levels in men increase faster at a young age, but after menopause women will be more vulnerable as well. This is influenced by the levels of the hormone estrogen in women who have not menopause so that cholesterol levels in women's bodies are more balanced than men.

5. Heredity

If you have a history of high cholesterol in your family, chances are you will inherit it. This is because cholesterol levels in the body can be genetically lowered.

6. Smoking

Smoke and harmful substances contained in cigarettes can lower good cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, smoking and secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of blocked arteries, which can lead to various heart problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

What medicines can help lower cholesterol levels?

If the doctor has diagnosed your cholesterol level as too high, you will usually be prescribed drugs that can help keep your cholesterol levels stable and normal. These drugs include statins, fibric acid, bile acid binding resins, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. However, keep in mind that prescription medications are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. You still need to have a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes so that cholesterol levels don't spike.