Hypercholestermia & Heart Diseases

Do you know what cholesterol is?

Is a fat-like waxy substance produced by the liver and has important functions, such as vitamin D production in addition to the production of the bile juice.

Do you know why a high level of cholesterol in the blood is dangerous?

A high level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to clogging of the blood vessels which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.

Do you know what the different types of cholesterol are?

There are 2 types of cholesterol, one is benign and the other is non-benign:

• Benign: HDL cholesterol has a high density and this helps to get rid of blood lipids and thus reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Non-benign: LDL cholesterol has a low density which leads to clogging of blood vessels.
•  Another type of fat in the blood is Triglyceride, which increases the risk of heart disease rises when there is an accompanying high level of non-benign LDL cholesterol.

Do you know what the different levels of blood cholesterol are? *

*Levels are according to the American Association for Heart Disease

Do you know what leads to higher levels of blood cholesterol?

• Weight gain, diet rich in fatty substances & disorders with the thyroid gland.
• Sedentary lifestyle & lack of physical exercise.
• Genetic factors such as familial history of diabetes and of increased blood fats within family members.

Do you know what are the best ways to reduce cholesterol levels?

• Maintain a proper weight
• Increased levels of physical activity in addition to avoiding a fat rich diet
• Medical treatment that needs to be taken under the supervision and follow up of a medical doctor

Note: When you take medication, you need to ensure that you have regular liver and kidney function tests.

Do you know what are the tests should be done periodically to measure the level of cholesterol?

Lipid Profile (1)

• Serum Triglycerides
• Total Cholesterol  
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL Cholesterol

These tests must be done after a person has been fasting for a period of not less than 12 hours.

Do you know what tests are needed in addition to the previous tests, to avoid heart diseases?

Cardio CRP

Higher rates indicate an increase in the risk of heart disease even in the presence of normal levels of blood fats

Homocystiene

This test is closely linked with heart attacks; lower levels in the blood are closely related to decreased incidence of heart disease.

Lipoprotein A

For follow up and to avoid the risk of heart disease

Lipid Profile (2)

• Serum Triglycerides  
• Total Cholesterol
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL Cholesterol
• Cardio CRP
• Homocysteine
• Lipoprotein A

Special conditions for taking samples for the above mentioned tests:

1. For tests involving levels of fat, a person is required to fast from 12-14 hours for complete absorption of fat in blood and to ensure that the level is stable.
2. Cardio CRP is tested for in the presence of high levels of the enzyme CPK, with a certain genetic muscle disease.