The composition of cholesterol is only one, what changes is its means of transport, that is: the lipoprotein (particle) to which it is associated, according to the Ministry of Health. It can be of high or low density, depending on the composition, with different functions.
The theme is featured in one of the daily pills of the new version of CNN Vital Signs presented by cardiologist Roberto Kalil (see below ).
“Cholesterol it is very important for our cells, for the production of bile that is necessary for the digestion of food, for the production of sex hormones and also of cortisol”, says Kalil. “Already the triglycerides they are nature’s way of storing calories efficiently. In the case of triglycerides, high values can increase the incidence of infarction and stroke”, he adds.
LDL cholesterol: Cholesterol combined with low-density lipoproteins is called LDL. In excess, it can be deposited on the artery walls, forming fatty plaques that increase the risk of obstruction and, consequently, of heart attack and stroke (CVA). Therefore, LDL is known as “bad cholesterol” and its level must be kept low.
“High cholesterol levels can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries, the so-called atherosclerosis. Remember: high cholesterol has no symptoms”, explains the doctor.
The main consequence of excess LDL cholesterol, and consequently the obstruction of arteries, is the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as: acute myocardial infarction and stroke.
HDL cholesterol: known to be the one who “rescues” cholesterol from cells to be eliminated. They are high-density lipoproteins that, when combined with cholesterol, are called HDL. It helps to avoid clogging of the arteries, being known as “good cholesterol” and its level must be kept high.
When Cholesterol Becomes a Problem
Although it is recognized as something bad, cholesterol plays important roles in the human body. It is part of the body’s cell structure and is essential for the production of some hormones and vitamins. Cholesterol also forms bile acids, which are substances that act in digestion.
Cholesterol becomes a problem when there is an excess of the LDL-cholesterol particle, popularly known as bad cholesterol, in the body and the type of fat ingested.
The cholesterol index may be linked to lifestyle, such as poor diet, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. But it can also be associated with genetic issues, which is called familial hypercholesterolemia (HF).
Control is possible from healthy eating habits and physical activity. Cholesterol treatment is done with medication, and medicine has advanced in this area in recent years.
In most cases, the patient takes medications such as statins, HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibitors (liver enzymes responsible for cholesterol production).
Another expanding treatment, which is not yet offered by the Unified Health System (SUS), is performed using injections with monoclonal antibodies. They reduce high cholesterol levels by up to 60%. In the most severe cases, minimally invasive surgical intervention is required.
According to the Ministry of Health, 4 out of 10 Brazilians have high cholesterol. “Bad cholesterol is the one that is associated with an increased risk of heart problems in heart attacks and strokes. The good cholesterol is the one that theoretically protects our body against this”, explains Raul Dias dos Santos Filho, director of the Lipids Clinical Unit at Incor.
According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects 10 million people worldwide and 300,000 in Brazil.
“A dietary habit with high consumption of red meat, saturated fats and ultra-processed foods, combined with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, favors hypercholesterolemia and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases”, explains researcher Ana Luisa Souza de Paiva Moura, from general coordination of Food and Nutrition of the Ministry of Health.
“If the dietary pattern is balanced, the person can have a healthy life and keep cholesterol in adequate concentrations”, he adds.
The expert warns that the problem is not limited to just one age group. “People of any age, even children, can have high cholesterol. This may be due to genetic issues, but it is largely linked to physical inactivity and poor diet,” she says.
Source: CNN Brasil

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