CHOLESTEROL

Brooke NessenHealth Class (Grades 10-12)

A Quick Look

Explaining

Cholesterol

(Video)

What is Cholesterol?

Waxy, fat-like substance

Naturally occurring in the body

Some is needed for body to properly function protect nerves, make cell tissue, &

make certain hormones

Too much cholesterol can be dangerous!

What is Cholesterol?

Too much cholesterol in blood can stick to artery walls and build-up.

Build-up is known as plaque.

Plaque narrows and sometimes blocks arteries.

Where’s Cholesterol Found?

Bodies produce cholesterol needed for functions.

Excess cholesterol comes from foods people eat: Animal sources- egg yolks, cheese, meat Foods with increased amounts of

saturated and trans-fat

Explaining Cholesterol

Factors affecting cholesterol : Heredity Physical Activity Weight Diet Age & Sex Lifestyle

MMM, CHOLESTEROL!

Testing for Cholesterol

Usually no symptoms for high cholesterol

Should get tested: At 20 years old with follow up once every 5

years if levels are good About every year for people who have

diabetes, high BP, heart disease, stroke, or blood flow problems

Every year for those on medication controlling high cholesterol

Testing for Cholesterol

Testing children is debatable.

Only test children with high risk factors like: Family history of high cholesterol Family history of heart

attacks at 55 in men and before age 65 in females

Testing for Cholesterol

Lipoprotein Panel Test checks: Total Cholesterol HDL cholesterol LDL cholesterol Triglycerides

Tests are done to get a better understanding of risks.

Good Cholesterol

High Density Lipoprotein A.k.a. HDL

Carries cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver where it’s removed

HDL

Bad Cholesterol

Low Density Lipoprotein A.k.a. LDL

High levels of LDL lead to plaque build-up in arteries.

LDL

Cholesterol Cartoon

Triglycerides

Fat found in blood

Increased amounts lead to risk of heart disease.

What can raise triglyceride level? Obesity Lack of exercise Smoking cigarettes & drinking alcohol excessively Genetics, diseases, & medicine Poor diet with large amounts of carbohydrates and

fats

Normal Levels for Panel Test Levels of cholesterol depend on the

individual.

Normal levels vary but typically: Total Cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL is desired

HDL: 40-59 mg/dL is good, lower than 40 is putting yourself at risk

LDL: less than 100 mg/dL is optimal

Triglycerides: 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high

Risks of High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol can lead to: Atherosclerosis Coronary Heart Disease Heart Attack Stroke High Blood Pressure

Treating High Cholesterol Medicine

Statins Bile acid sequestrants Nicotinic acid Fibrates Ezitimibe

All used to lower LDL or raise HDL

Muscle cramping is a serious side effect of some medicines.

Some may also cause liver problems.

Medicine Commercial

Lipitor Commercial 2010/2011

Treating High Cholesterol

Diet Changes Less than 200mg of cholesterol a day Only 25-35% of daily calories should be from fat. Limit intake of salt. Eat more soluble fiber and less fatty food.▪ Whole grain, fruits, vegetables

Some fish help to keep the heart healthy.

Treating High Cholesterol

Physical Activity GET SOME EXERCISE! Routine physical activity lowers the

amount of bad cholesterol and raises the amount of good cholesterol in your body.

Summary

Cholesterol is found naturally in our bodies and in foods we eat.

High cholesterol can put you at risk for many heart problems.

A healthy lifestyle can have a big impact on your cholesterol!

References

MedlinePlus- (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cholesterol.html) And collaborating links

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/healthtopics/topics/hbc/treatment.html)

THE END