CHOLESTEROL

&

TRIGLYCERIDES
 CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is vital for the synthesis of steroid

hormones and bile. It is an essential component of
cell membranes. The body gets cholesterol from
outside through diet and endogenously produced by
the liver .
Too much of cholesterol in the blood can build up
inside the arteries, forming a layer of plaque. Large
amounts of plaque increases the chances of having a
heart attack or stroke.
 STRUCTURE OF CHOLESTEROL

It is a sterol containing the common nucleus

‘cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene’.
Its molecular formula is C27H45OH.
It has an OH group at C3.
It has an unsaturated double bond between C5 and
C6.
It has two CH3 groups at C10 and C13.
It has an 8c side chain attached to C17.
 Cholesterol levels

Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL is considered

normal for adults.

Levles between 200 and 239 mg/dL are considered

borderline high and a reading above 240 mg/dL is
considered high.
 FUNCTIONS OF CHOLESTEROL

Formation of cell membranes ( PM ) and

modulation of membrane fluidity.
Intracellular transport , cell signaling and nerve
conduction within the cells.
Formation of bile acids and bile salts
Synthesis of steroid hormones ( androgens ,
estrogens etc )
Synthesis of vitamin D3
Esterification of fatty acids
 HDL levels

HDL levels should be kept higher.

A reading of less than 40 mg/dL increases the risk
factor for heart disease.
A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is considered
borderline low, whereas HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or
higher is considered ideal for adults.
 LDL levels

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100

mg/dL in adults. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL are
acceptable for people with no health issues, but may
be of more concern for those with heart disease or
heart disease risk factors. A reading of 130 to 159
mg/dL is borderline high and 160 to 189 mg/dL is
high. A reading of 190 mg/dL or higher is considered
very high.
 Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the fats which are absorbed in

the blood, followed by a meal or by the liver in
response to diets rich in sugars, refined
carbohydrates, or fats. Only a small amount of
triglycerides is present in the blood.
 TG levels

Desirable range of triglycerides is 30 – 149 mg/dL.

Borderline levels are between 150-200 mg/dL.
Levels greater than 200 mg/dl are considered high.
A high triglyceride level along with high LDL
cholesterol can increase the chances of having heart
disease more than having only a high LDL
cholesterol level.
 Significance of lipid profile

As we age, we are at high risk of developing heart risk

diseases. So, it is important to get your cholesterol checked.
A lipid profile test or cholesterol test is advisable when you:
Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks
Are overweight or obese
Are physically inactive or have a sedentary lifestyle
Are diabetic
Eat a high-fat diet
Smoke Cigarette
Are a man older than 45 or a woman older than 55