High Cholesterol Myths Busted: What’s Fact, What’s Fear?

 

There are many myths about cholesterol, but if you know the facts, you can simply dispel the majority of them.  Learn more about cholesterol and its function in your body by reading on.

Your body uses cholesterol, a waxy material, to make vitamin D, certain hormones, and cell membranes.  You don't need to eat cholesterol because your body makes all the cholesterol you need.  However, animal products like meat, butter, and cheese contain significant levels of it.  If you eat a lot of these, you get too much cholesterol, which can cause serious health issues.  We refer to this disorder as high cholesterol levels.

Myths and facts around cholesterol

Myth No. 1: You ought to lower cholesterol

FACT: As we've already discussed, your body requires cholesterol to carry out regular tasks including producing hormones and cell membranes.  When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, issues arise

Myth No. 2: There is just one kind of cholesterol

FACT: Your body contains multiple forms of cholesterol.  Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is referred described as the "bad" cholesterol because an excess of it deposits cholesterol on your artery walls, hardening and narrowing them and making it difficult for your heart to pump blood.  We call this condition hypertension. 

Additionally, you have HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, which is referred to as the "good" cholesterol because it transports LDL to the liver, where it is metabolized and eliminated from the body.

The most prevalent form of fat in the body is triglycerides.  They store dietary energy that your body doesn't require right away. 

 a condition which raises your risk of heart attack and stroke, is associated with high triglycerides and either low HDL or high LDL cholesterol.

Myth No. 3: I'll be able to tell whether I have a cholesterol issue 

FACT: Until a crisis like a heart attack or stroke occurs, most persons with high cholesterol levels do not exhibit any symptoms.  Because of this, it's critical to have your cholesterol levels examined at least once a year (more frequently if you're older or at high risk) in order to identify any issues before they become serious.

Myth No. 4: I have no control over my cholesterol levels 

FACT: Medication can be used to treat hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, and lifestyle changes can prevent it.

Lowering your intake of items high in cholesterol, such as cheese, butter, and red meat, will help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.  Your doctor may recommend a cholesterol-lowering drug, like a statin, if lifestyle modifications aren't enough to lower your results.