What is cholesterol
Cholesterol – an essential fat in the body
Cholesterol is a fat substance, or lipid, that is needed for many bodily functions. It is a part of cell membranes and a precursor for many hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), bile acids, and vitamin D. Without cholesterol, the body simply would not function normally.
Cholesterol is primarily produced in the liver, but it is also obtained from food, especially animal-based products.
Cholesterol transport in the body
Because cholesterol is not soluble in water, it does not travel freely in the blood. Instead, it is packaged into transport particles known as lipoproteins.There are several different types, but the most important are:
LDL cholesterol
Known as "bad cholesterol"
Transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues
In excessive amounts, it accumulates in the walls of blood vessels and causes narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
HDL cholesterol
Known as "good cholesterol"
Transports excess cholesterol back to the liver for removal
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Triglycerides
They are not cholesterol, but are often measured in the same context
Energy storage form that is rising, among other things.the effects of sugar, alcohol, and excessive energy intake
Where does cholesterol come from?
The body's own production
About 70–80% of cholesterol is produced in the liver
The body regulates synthesis as needed, but regulation can be disrupted, for example,as a result of hereditary factors or lifestyle choices
Nutrition
Animal-based products, such as fatty meat, butter, cheeses, and egg yolks, contain cholesterol
The cholesterol obtained from food affects blood cholesterol levels to some extent, but the overall impact is also influenced by the type and amount of fats
Why can cholesterol be harmful?
Excess cholesterol – particularly high LDL levels – can accumulate in the walls of arteries and cause:
Narrowing and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
Heart attack if a coronary artery becomes blocked
Cerebrovascular disorder, if a cerebral artery is blocked
Cholesterol itself is not dangerous, but its imbalance and long-term excessive intake increase the risk of disease.
What are good cholesterol values?
Value |
Target value (generally) |
|
Total cholesterol |
Below 5.0 mmol/l |
|
LDL cholesterol |
Below 3.0 mmol/l (or below 2.5 for high-risk patients) |
|
HDL cholesterol |
Above 1.0 mmol/l for men, above 1.2 mmol/l for women |
|
Triglycerides | Below 1.7 mmol/l |
Goals may vary according to individual risk factors.
Cholesterol management – how can it be influenced?
Healthy diet: less saturated fats, more fiber and vegetable oils
Regular exercise: improves HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides
Weight management: especially reducing abdominal obesity is important
Reducing alcohol consumption
Medication if necessary: especially statin medications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is cholesterol always bad?
No.Cholesterol is essential for the body, but excessive intake or impaired elimination can lead to health issues.
2. Can cholesterol be too low?
Very low cholesterol levels can, in rare cases, be associated with malabsorption disorders or serious illness, but for the majority, it is not a problem.
3. Can plant-based products contain cholesterol?
No. Cholesterol is only found in animal-based products. Plant-based products do not contain any cholesterol at all.
4.How often should cholesterol levels be measured?
In adults, it is recommended to measure at least every 5 years, more often if there are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases or if treatment is ongoing.
5. How do I know if I have too much cholesterol?
The only sure way is a laboratory test that measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. There are usually no symptoms.