RISKS OF HAVING HIGH CHOLESTEROL:

- Blocks blood vessels; making you more likely to

There are no symptoms of high have heart problems or a stroke
cholesterol, the only way to find out - Transient ischaemic attack (mini stroke)
if you have high cholesterol is - Peripheral arterial disease
through a blood test. - Damages arteries (which contributes to heart
disease and increases your risk for a stroke)

It is needed in the
human body but too
CHOL Besides, providing
stability and fluidity,
they are also important

ESTER
much of it in your blood in regulating cell
can raise the risk of - A level of 200- function.
heart disease. 239mg/dL is
borderline high.

OL
- 240mg/dL or greater Their chemical structure
is high. allows them to exist in the
Cholesterol is a type of lipid and
- These are when bilayer of the membrane.
structural component of cell
readings would Molecules of cholesterol are
membranes and serves as a building
become a concern. synthesised in the liver and
block for synthesising various steroid
hormones (oestrogen, testosterone and transported via the blood.
progesterone), vitamin D, and bile acids.

Regular physical activity, especially aerobic
exercises like running or swimming, can boost
"good" cholesterol (HDL) levels and reduce "bad"
cholesterol (LDL), lowering the risk of heart
disease and stroke.
EVIDENCE OF THESE RISKS IN STUDIES:
TO DATE, EXTENSIVE RESEARCH DID NOT SHOW EVIDENCE TO
SUPPORT A ROLE OF DIETARY CHOLESTEROL IN THE DEVELOPMENT
OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE OR HEART ATTACKS OR STROKES.
YET, HIGH CHOLESTEROL CONTRIBUTES TO THE FORMATION OF
PLAQUE THAT CAN BUILD UP IN YOUR ARTERIES AND BLOCK BLOOD
FLOW TO YOUR BRAIN, CAUSING A STROKE.

HOW SHOULD YOU REDUCE HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

- Reduce saturated fats, primarily found in red mean
THE CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL
and full fat dairy products
LEVELS:
- Eliminate trans fat
- Eating fatty food (unhealthy diet) - Eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- Not exercising enough WHAT IS A “NORMAL” - Increase soluble fibre (e.g kidney beans, brussels
- Being overweight CHOLESTEROL sprouts,
- Smoking: a chemical called acrolin, LEVEL? apples, pears
found in cigarettes, stops HDL In general, a total - Add whey protein
transporting cholesterol from fatty cholesterol level of less - Eat oatmeal/oat bran
deposits to the liver, leading to than 200mg/dL is - Eat more oily fish, brown rice, wholegrain bread,
narrowing of the arteries normal. wholewheat pasta,
- Can also run in families - nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables
- Xanthelasma - Exercise more
- Stop smoking
- Cut down on alcohol

The types of good fats include:
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
Good fats, enhance heart health by
increasing "good" HDL cholesterol and
reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol. This helps
clear arteries and prevent plaque buildup,
lowering the risk of heart disease.
Good fats, such as those found in
avocados and fish, are heart-
friendly as they improve
cholesterol. Bad fats, from red
meats and processed foods, can
raise LDL cholesterol, increasing
the risk of heart disease.
Choosing good fats and limiting
bad fats is vital for heart health.