What is cholesterol? – Cholesterol refers to a waxy, fatlike substance (lipid) which the body requires to function well and for hormone production. However, when its level in the body is too high, it creates problem for the body.

How does cholesterol form?

Cholesterol is found in some food items, especially food from animal sources like meat, eggs and dairy products. In addition to getting it in food, it is also produced in the liver.

Why is cholesterol important?

Cholesterol is important to the body as it helps the body to:

1. Digest fat-containing food properly
2. Produce hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone
3. Produce vitamin D
4. Maintain the body cells

What are the types of cholesterol?

There are good and bad cholesterol

1. Good cholesterol – High density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as “good cholesterol”. It acts as cleanser of the bad type as it helps remove bad cholesterol from the body.
2. Bad cholesterol – Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is referred to as “bad cholesterol”. When the levels of this cholesterol in the body is much higher than the good type (HDL), it sticks to and coats the blood vessels (forms plaques), making them narrower than normal. The resultant effect of this may lead to:

1. 1. Reduced blood flow rate inside the blood vessels due to plaque formation.
   2. Heart disease from narrowing of blood vessels supplying the heart.
   3. Blood clot inside the blood vessels aided by plaque.
   4. Increase in blood pressure (hypertension)
   5. Diabetes
   6. Kidney disease

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

No specific symptom has been associated with high cholesterol level in the body. It builds up without the knowledge of those affected.

How is high cholesterol managed?

The following steps may help in lowering high cholesterol:

1. Lifestyle modification – Living a healthy lifestyle such as eating balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight may help lower the level of cholesterol in the body.
2. Use of drugs – Medication may be necessary to bring down the level of cholesterol in the body.
3. Follow-up – Cholesterol levels should be checked regularly to be sure it is within the normal limit, especially for those with risk factors for heart disease (those with family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity).