Correlation Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Cholesterol has long been understood as a leading cause of heart disease, but is it really that simple? More recent research indicates that the correlation between cholesterol and heart disease is more complex than we had previously thought. This short explanation will help you understand this correlation and how you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly. 

The Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Does cholesterol cause heart disease? The answer is: it depends. While many people seem to think that all cholesterol is bad and should be avoided, the truth is that a certain amount of cholesterol is essential for human health. On average, an adult should have total cholesterol levels of less than 200mg/dL. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced in the liver and which is also available in a variety of foods. Cholesterol itself is neither good nor bad – it depends on how it is transported around the body, and the quantities we consume.

Cholesterol is moved around the body in compounds known as lipoproteins, of which there are two kinds: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). 

Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) 

LDLs carry cholesterol to different parts of the body that need it. It is the LDL variety that can sometimes be problematic. If there are too many LDLs in the bloodstream, their movement through the arteries can be restricted. Imagine a road where the traffic is so bad that vehicles have to pull over to the side because there is no space to move. This is a good analogy for what happens in the arteries. The overcrowded LDLs, unable to flow freely through the arteries, end up sticking to the walls, where they ultimately build up and clog the arteries. LDL levels should always be kept at less than 100mg/dL. 

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

HDLs are often referred to as good cholesterol. They are a combination of fat and protein that help to absorb excess cholesterol from the blood and take it to the liver, where it can be broken down. Higher HDL levels can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is advisable to aim for HDL levels of between 60mg/dL and 100mg/dL. To increase HDL levels, increase your intake of foods that are rich in unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts and fatty fish.

What are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?

High cholesterol is only one of the risk factors for heart disease. There are many other potential causes, which should all be considered when planning including:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes and prediabetes
• obesity
• Smoking
• family history of heart disease
• metabolic syndrome
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, HIV or AIDS, history of preeclampsia or early menopause, higher than usual lab tests, such as triglycerides or ankle-brachial index

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

The main cause of high cholesterol is the excessive intake of trans fats and unsaturated fats. Trans fats are most abundant in red meat and dairy products, as well as highly processed foods. Research suggests that consumption of these foods should be carefully restricted and diets should be adjusted to include minimal amounts of them, if any. Saturated fats – specifically monounsaturated fats – are found in fried foods and sweet treats, as well as red meat and dairy. 

While maintaining good cardiovascular health does not necessarily depend on eliminating these foods from your diet, it is a good idea to consume them only sparingly. Red meat eaters are advised to seek out only the leanest cuts, for example, and limit their intake to only a few portions a week.

How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Even if your cholesterol levels are currently too high, it is possible to lower those levels with some basic lifestyle changes.

Dietary changes are perhaps the most effective and important measures you can take. The first step is to reduce your intake of saturated fats, found in red meat and full-fat dairy products. If you decrease these foods, you can lower your LDL levels. You should also raise your intake of omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, herring, walnuts and flaxseeds, as well as soluble fibre. Get more active – try to exercise on most days of the week, as this can raise your HDL levels. It is also highly advisable to quit smoking and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

While understanding how cholesterol affects your heart can help you prevent heart disease in future, there is really only one way to determine how cholesterol may have affected your cardiovascular system in the past – through cutting-edge cardiac diagnostics. 

If your doctor suspects that you may have heart problems as a result of vascular plaque, they may refer you for one or more tests to assess the condition of your heart and arteries. With a referral from your doctor, you can book a consultation at WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, where we are equipped to provide all the necessary tests and services to check the status of your heart and help your healthcare practitioner plan your future treatment. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.