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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : July 22, 2014 4:01 PM IST
Just like the fat you have in your body, cholesterol is also a fat/ lipid that is produced in the liver and its normal levels are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. When cholesterol levels are in the normal range, in a healthy body, the blood flows freely through the veins and arteries. When the cholesterol levels are high, it starts forming clots (plaques) in the blood vessels causing hypertension (high BP), angina (chest pain), heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular diseases. Now-a-days, people are aware that it is important to keep their cholesterol levels under check. We get a lot of queries related to cholesterol. Here is one such a query.
Q: Cholesterol =173 mg/dl, triglycerides = 108 mg/dl, HDL =35 mg/dl, LDL =116.4 mg/dl, VLDL = 21.6, CHOL/HDL RATIO =4.94, LDL/HDL RATIO =3.33. Is there any risk with HDL below 35 mg/dl?
Answer:
As Indians, we are prone to low HDL and slightly high cholesterol levels due to our genetic makeup.What really matters is the other lifestyle factors that can lead to heart problems, coupled with abnormal lipid profile.
Lipid profiles show whether you're at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL is desirable. Triglycerides < 150mg/dL is normal. HDL 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease. HDL < 40 mg/dL is a risk factor for heart disease. LDL (bad cholesterol) is the main source of cholesterol build-up and blockages in the arteries. LDL < 100 mg/dL is optimal. LDL 160 189 mg/dL is considered high. Normal VLDL cholesterol level, measured as approximately one fifth of your triglycerides level, is between 2 and 30 mg/dL. Cholesterol/HDL ratio 5.0 is borderline and 6.0 is high risk. If your values are slightly deranged or 'borderline', you need to be careful but there's no cause for alarm. You need to raise HDL or good cholesterol. Modify your diet and increase your level of physical activity. According to studies red wine is known to ward off cholesterol build up.
To know more, read Common queries about cholesterol
Also read Cholesterol is manageable
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
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