CHOLESTEROL: ‘Good’ (HDL) and ‘Bad’ (LDL)
Cholesterol is a fatty substance (lipid) that plays an essential role in the synthesis of cell membranes, the production of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, the production of vitamin D, and the production of bile.
Cholesterol is transported throughout the body via the bloodstream. Since fat is not soluble in blood, cholesterol is packaged for transport in lipoproteins.
‘Bad’ Cholesterol
We know Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) as ‘bad cholesterol.’ This packaging transports cholesterol to its destination, but excess LDL easily adheres to the inner walls of the arteries. This gradually forms blockages and ‘plaques,’ leading to atherosclerosis (artery hardening). That’s why we also call LDL cholesterol ‘bad cholesterol’ because this culprit is the number one cause of death in our country.
SILENT KILLER?
Atherosclerosis (artery hardening) is also called the ‘Silent Killer’ because it creeps into our bodies painlessly, invisibly, and very slowly.
‘GOOD’ CHOLESTEROL
Fortunately, we also have ‘good cholesterol,’ the High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), which ensure that all excess ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol that remains stuck in the arteries is cleared and transported back to the liver.
TRIGLYCERIDES?
Other essential lipids are triglycerides, which are the ‘energy bombs’ necessary to move muscles. These fat molecules also travel in the bloodstream.
BELLY FAT? OVERWEIGHT?
Triglycerides that are not used because of insufficient physical activity are stored in fat cells as reserve energy. This leads to excess belly fat (visceral fat) and overweight.
SUGARS?
Sugars (carbohydrates) are also an energy source for muscles that travel in the bloodstream. All sugars not used due to adequate physical activity are converted into triglycerides, which are stored as fat reserves.
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CHOLESTEROL LOW NORMAL HIGH
BLOOD VALUES
This is a table with target values for persons who have no additional risk factors for atherosclerosis.
TARGET VALUES
Good that your doctor is keeping an eye on your cholesterol!
Note: If your doctor has prescribed you statins (medication for high cholesterol), it means that your doctor has judged that you belong to the highest risk group!
Your doctor wants to take good care of you, and undoubtedly, along with the prescription for these pills, your doctor has also given the following advice:
- Watch your diet
- Exercise more (2)
Taking the pills is the best your doctor can do for you; doing more exercising is in your hands (so it’s high time to start).
SIDE EFFECTS
The side effects of statins may include muscle pain.
The side effects of fitness are that you’ll feel better, have more energy, and look tighter and better!
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