Andy
VLDLs- (Very Low Density Lipoproteins). LDLs- (Low Density Lipoproteins). HDLs- (High Density Lipoproteins). Generally speaking, an average level of cholesterol is 4.2 to 5.4 millimoles per litre of blood. A high level is 5.5 to 6.4 or greater is considered very high. How ever if your level is low (less than 4.2) but are a heavy smoker with high blood pressure, you’re increasing the risk of coronary disease. On a cellular level, high cholesterol makes cell membranes too hard & brittle: too little cholesterol results in a flimsy membrane that easily falls apart. VLDLs-Cholesterol makes up 25% of VLFLs. They also carry a high percentage of triglycerides, another type of lipid, which forms adipose, tissue-the fatty cushions supporting our internal organs. Once their delivery run has ended, VLDLs can convert to LDLs, which, as you’ll soon discover, are not exactly what you want. LDLs With cholesterol making up 55% of these lipoproteins, its function is to take cholesterol to the cells that require it. In some people the cells may have too few receptors-sites on a cell that allow specific substances to enter- for LDLs. With more cholesterol being parked outside cell instead of inside, the blood cholesterol level increases & to so does the risk of plaque formation. LDLs are regarded as villains. HLDLs The function of HLDLs is to rid cells of excess cholesterol & take it back to the liver for excretion. They contain about 13% cholesterol. As its role is to prevent the build-up of blood cholesterol, it’s considered as the good guy in the lipoprotein family. High levels of HLDLs are associated with a lower incidence of plaque formation. You need to have a look at your diet & also exercise. Take up moderate aerobic exercise; eat less sugar, alcohol & animal fats. Increase fiber intake with oats & legumes. Eat more vegetables, fruit & fish. Salmon, tuna, sardines & mackerel contain valuable fatty acids, which are needed in the production of cell membranes. Cut down on meats, beef, pork, processed meats, eggs & diary products-all of which have been implicated in increasing blood cholesterol. Consumption of alcohol makes cell membranes more fluid & more likely to fall apart. More cholesterol is produced in response. Cut cigarettes out as because it will undo the good work that you have achieved with exercise. Exercise helps by increasing your HDLs, reducing stress as well as improving circulation & your cardiovascular system in general. You may be prescribed cholesterol-reducing drugs. Some work by increasing the elimination of bile from the body & others stop the liver from producing cholesterol. Herbs are a viable option. Vitamin supplementation on a regular basis is by far a better way to go because they service the whole body. Hope that this information is of benefit. If u would like more, contact me. Andy