Question

Why doesn't total cholesterol concentration in the bloodstream tell us the whole story with respect to cardiovascular disease risk? Consider the main risk factors for CVD and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of CVD.

Answer 1

Ans) Cholesterol helps your body build new cells, insulate nerves, and produce hormones. Normally, the liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs. But cholesterol also enters your body from food, such as animal-based foods like milk, eggs, and meat. Too much cholesterol in your body is a risk factor for heart disease.

- When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries, causing a process called atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease. The arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart muscle is slowed down or blocked. The blood carries oxygen to the heart, and if not enough blood and oxygen reach your heart, you may suffer chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, the result is a heart attack.

- Risk factors of CVD:

Smoking.
High LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and low HDL, or "good" cholesterol.
Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
Physical inactivity.
Obesity.
Uncontrolled diabetes.
Uncontrolled stress and anger

Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of CVD:

- Control your blood pressure.
- Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Limit alcohol.
- Don't smoke.
- Manage stress.