Cholesterol

A silent killer and a life-saver known by one name, cholesterol. Cholesterol is commonly misunderstood in our society today. In order to better understand cholesterol, a simplified, applicable approach should be made. This essay will explore the definition and function of cholesterol, the difference between good and bad cholesterol, and the risk factors associated with cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat, that is produced by our liver and also found in certain types of food we eat. Cholesterol is also a sterol, which is a component in the production of steroid hormones. The actual function of cholesterol is three-fold. Firstly, cholesterol aids in the production of steroid hormones which are stored in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries and are crucial to proper bodily functions. Secondly, cholesterol helps the liver produce bile which in turn aides in the digestion of food. Lastly, cholesterol lends to the proper structure of cells, mainly the outer protective coating on the cells in our bodies.

So what defines good or bad cholesterol? Since cholesterol is oil based, and our blood is water based, cholesterol must move throughout the tissues via lipoproteins. The two main types of lipoproteins are LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, and HDL, or high-density protein. Simply put, LDL is bad, and HDL is good. But what differentiates them and their effects on our body? According to the American Heart Association, “When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up on the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain.” (Good vs. Bad Cholesterol, December 2012). The further build-up of these deposits on the arteries can lead to atherosclerosis; the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, LDL is more related to dietary cholesterol, such as foods high in saturated fats. HDL, on the other hand, is here to save the day for our bodies. According to an article by the Mayo Clinic staff, “They (HDL) act as cholesterol scavengers, picking up excess cholesterol in your blood and taking it back to your liver where it 's broken down. The higher your HDL level, the less "bad" cholesterol you 'll have in your blood.” (HDL Cholesterol, November 2012) HDL consists of healthy fats, such as foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Risk factors for cholesterol include age, lifestyle habits, and genetics. As the population ages, the accumulation of excess cholesterol in the bloodstream is affected by lifestyle choices, genetics, or both. Lifestyle habits contribute greatly to high cholesterol levels, and are commonly seen with diets high in saturated fats, alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, and inactivity. Inherited forms of high cholesterol are less common but according to the CDC, “People who have an inherited genetic condition, called familial hypercholesterolemia, have very high LDL cholesterol levels beginning at a young age.” (Cholesterol Heredity, February 2010). Prevention of LDL in hereditary high cholesterol is even more important due to the already existing amount of bad cholesterol present in the body. In summary, cholesterol can be both beneficial, and detrimental to the way our body functions and our overall health. Understanding proper cholesterol levels and making healthy lifestyle choices are crucial to preventing cardiovascular disease and maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol.

References Cholesterol heredity. (Feb. 9, 2010). Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/heredity.htm

Good vs. bad cholesterol. (Dec. 10, 2012). Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp

Staff, Mayo Clinic. (Nov. 9, 2012). HDL cholesterol: How to boost your "good" cholesterol. Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hdl-cholesterol/CL00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2

References: Cholesterol heredity. (Feb. 9, 2010). Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/heredity.htm Good vs. bad cholesterol. (Dec. 10, 2012). Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp Staff, Mayo Clinic. (Nov. 9, 2012). HDL cholesterol: How to boost your "good" cholesterol. Retrieved Sept. 19, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hdl-cholesterol/CL00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2