Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/600930
4 HIGH CHOLESTEROL: PART 1 Of 5 Last week we covered, in a very brief fashion, the key facts about High Cholesterol. You should already have a fair sense of this important condition. This week we'll look at what causes it and how it is diagnosed. The science and the definitions surrounding cholesterol can be a bit confusing. To keep things fairly simple let's explain the key issues (we've "cut some corners" here to offer as simple an explanation as possible, preferring clarity to excessive detail & science): • Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat, found in animal-based foods like meat, eggs and dairy products • Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by particles called Lipoproteins and it is actually these (the lipoproteins) that we measure. • There are four types of lipoprotein but the most important two are: o Low Density Lipoprotein, LDL, "bad cholesterol" o High Density Lipoprotein, HDL, "good cholesterol" • High levels of LDL are associated with atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries caused by fatty deposits) and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, etc. WHAT CAUSES HIGH CHOLESTEROL? well, there are basIcally three causes: 1. genetIcs. familial Hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition (actually a complex set of conditions) where the liver manufactures excessive quantities of cholesterol – this usually causes very high levels of cholesterol and is a serious & complex condition. In addition, many families and groups of people have High Cholesterol due to inherited genetic traits – this causes moderately high cholesterol levels and is one of the main reasons for conditions like heart disease to "run in families". 2. lIfestyle. Being overweight, eating large amounts of high-fat animal foods, and not exercising are all causes for High Cholesterol. This is by far the most common cause seen today. 3. medIcal condItIons. Certain medial conditions do cause High Cholesterol. These include uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, certain types of kidney disease, and side effects of some medications.