LDL CHOLESTEROL OR BAD CHOLESTEROL. THE TYPE THAT OBSTRUCTS ARTERIES.

Cholesterol is a substance that is necessary for the well being of our body however; it can be harmful when it is elevated in the bloodstream. Total cholesterol consists of two basic parts commonly named good cholesterol and bad cholesterol; we will be exploring that latter type within this article.

LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol is named that way due to the protein that transports it throughout the body, which is called LDL. This protein transports cholesterol to the arteries and leaves it there as opposed to transporting it to the liver where it can be metabolised and destroyed. As a consequence of this, the arteries are obstructed and its diameter is reduced.

Organs, such as the heart or the brain, with small arteries would be affected the most and in turn cause cardiovascular pathologies, heart attacks or strokes.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of this pathology is completed through a simple blood test, where normal figures are expected to be between 100-129 mg/dl or 2,6-3.3 mmol/l in line with the measuring system used. People that suffer from a heart condition should be expected to have lower levels than these. 

CAUSES THAT INCREMENT BAD CHOLESTEROL

1. Poor nutrition

An unhealthy diet that is rich in saturated fats such as lard, butter, cured meats, fatty cheeses, sausages, fatty meats, etc. one that is rich in trans fats such as those present in processed foods, foods that are industrially baked or one that is poor in vegetables, legumes, wholemeal cereals, fish, nuts, etc. can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol.

2. Lack of physical exercise

3. Overweight or obesity

4. Tobacco

5. Excessive alcohol

PATHOLOGIES ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE OF BAD CHOLESTEROL

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia

This is a hereditary disease that begins in infancy, so it is important to keep an eye on family members in case one of them suffers from this pathology.

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Renal or acute pancreatic pathologies

• Early menopause in women

• Hypothyroidism

This is a pathology that is caused by the decline in the activity of the thyroid gland can sometimes cause an increase in cholesterol levels. Hypothyroidism should be discarded in people that lead a healthy lifestyle and that don’t have familial hypercholesterolemia when they present high levels of bad cholesterol.

It is essential that the thyroid be studied in children when they exhibit high levels of cholesterol in the blood and have no previous history of familial hypercholesterolemia.

TREATMENT

Diet measures, physical exercise, smoke cessation and a reduction in the ingestion of alcohol. Pharmacological treatments will also be implemented when needed.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus