health sectionhealth sectionPhospholipids and cholesterol are substances essential to human health and the proper functioning of the human body. Both substances belong to a group of fatty or waxy carbon compounds called lipids, which cannot dissolve in water and which form a key part of living cells. While phospholipids and cholesterol share certain characteristics, they differ in their structures, sources and functions.
High cholesterol is a bad thing no matter what part of the world you're in, although the the means of measure can differ depending on location. The United States uses one measurement system, while European countries use another.
Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in the bloodstream. The human body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function, but too much of it can cause heart disease and death.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance ingested via some of the foods we eat; cholesterol is found in animal products. It is also manufactured in the body. Cholesterol can be both a detriment and a benefit to overall health, depending on the levels of different types of cholesterol.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number-one cause of death among men and women in the United States. Blood cholesterol levels play a significant role in the likelihood of someone developing a heart condition, and the types of lipoproteins present in the blood are a determining factor.
Blood cholesterol readings are used to assess health and to determine risk of disease. A comprehensive blood cholesterol reading has several components, and one of these is the cholesterol ratio. While this ratio is not used to determine appropriate treatment to reduce high cholesterol, it is sometimes used as a predictor of heart disease risk. The higher your cholesterol ratio, the higher your risk of developing heart disease.
High cholesterol levels affect many adults. High cholesterol, which can be detected through a blood test, can lead to many serious health conditions, including heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. This is because high cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in arteries over time. Though medication is available to lower blood cholesterol levels, a change in diet can often derail mild to moderately high cholesterol in many adults. Oatmeal is one of the foods most prescribed by doctors to patients with high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance found in our bodies that produces the acids, vitamins and hormones that aid in fat digestion. However, excess amounts of cholesterol can clog arteries, leading to a number of serious complications. This is why doctors recommend a cholesterol blood test for their patients every five years. The test is a short and relatively painless procedure, but requires preparation in some cases.
There are two popular types of home blood cholesterol testing devices you can use. The less popular and more expensive kind gives a digital reading and provides results for HDL and other types of cholesterol. By far the most popular is the chemical test, which is less expensive but usually only gives results for your total cholesterol level.
High blood cholesterol clogs arteries and increases your risk for a stroke. It can also lead to heart disease. Making a few simple and healthy lifestyle changes--such as diet, regular physical activity and weight loss--will not only reduce your cholesterol levels but also greatly increase your chances of living a longer, healthier and more vigorous life.
