Cholesterol are the fatty substances having enormous role in our body. They help in synthesis of hormones like estrogen, testosterone. They are the waxy substances that cannot be transported in the blood vessels alone. They need carrier proteins that transport cholesterol. These are called as lipoproteins.
Significance of HDL, LDL, VLDL
HDL or high density lipoproteins are the “Good” cholesterol that transport cholesterols from different parts of body back to the liver. LDL or low density lipoproteins are the “bad” cholesterol that transport cholesterol from different parts through the blood vessels. VLDL are the very low density lipoproteins mainly transports the triglycerides. They cause gradual rise of cholesterol leading to atherosclerotic plaque formation. the plaques compromise the blood flow with gradual narrowing of the blood vessels forming thrombus inside the blood vessels. Ultimately it results in ischemia or decreased blood flow to the vital organs.. The cell death in vital organs deteriorates gradually if the blockage is not relieved.
Image credit- John Hopkins medicine
Etiological factors in Hypercholesterolemia
• Obesity– Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for hypercholesterolemia. Obesity is defined as when the body mass index is more than 30.
• Food habits– The trans fats are the biggest risk factors for the high cholesterol. Besides the saturated fatty acids present in some cooking oil also cause rise in blood cholesterol. The processed foods, packaged foods, chips also cause hypercholesterolemia.
• Sedentary lifestyle– Lack of exercise gradually build up the cholesterol level.
• Genetics– Some varieties of hypercholesterolemia run in families. Genetic preponderance is a significant risk factor for these type of hypercholesterolemia.
• Diabetes– It is a part of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes also predisposes to hypertension, atherosclerosis.
• Smoking- Smoking cause lowering of HDL and increase in LDL level.
Complications-
• Heart attack- The coronary arteries supplying the heart are narrowed by the atherosclerotic plaques compromising the blood flow to the heart. It results in ischemia and heart attack.
• Stroke- Another vital organ brain needs high blood flow per gram of tissue. The plaques ladened with cholesterol results thromboembolism leading to stroke.
• Peripheral vascular disease- The peripheral vessels are also affected by the micro thromboembolism.
