HIGH BLOOD CHOLOSTEROL

It is called hyper cholesterolemia or hyper lipidemia. When cholesterol level in the blood is found to be higher than normal accepted levels it presents a very serious condition directly affecting the function of the heart.

Illustration depicting atherosclerosis in a coronary artery.

Lipid or cholesterol is a naturally occurring molecule in food materials. Animals produce lipid whereas plants do not produce. Since cholesterol is insoluble in water it is carried by protein particles in the plasma found in the blood.

Two bags of fresh frozen plasma: The bag on the left was obtained from a donor with hyperlipidemia, while the other bag was obtained from a donor with normal serum lipid levels.

Lipoproteins are graded in different levels such as LDL, HDL. They are graded by the density of the lipids. LDL and non HDL lipids are dangerous. They give rise to building plaques in the arteries. HDL lipids are protective in nature and hence welcome to humans.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum, yellowish patches consisting of cholesterol deposits above the eyelids. These are more common in people with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Genetics also play an important role in increasing the presence of LDL. Cholesterol  are plenty available in animal protein; among plants coconut has plenty of lipids. The eyes of people genetically affected with high content of lipid yellow patches can be found around their eyes.

Plaques formed due to too much of lipid protein in various arteries in the body cause diseases to the concerned organs. When blood supply to the brain is reduced by plaque, dizziness, weakness, difficulty in speaking and tingling and numbness on one side of the body will arise. When insufficient blood supply to heart arises heart attack takes place. 

Diet plays an important role in increasing cholesterol. Patients suffering from heart diseases must avoid yellow yolk in the egg, ghee, and the cream of the milk and coconut oil.