Managing Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced in our liver and used for vital functions like producing hormones including vitamin D, oestrogen and testosterone, providing support to our brain and other organs and insulating our nerves. A high cholesterol, though, is linked to heart disease and strokes.

Most of the cholesterol needed by our body is made by the liver, very little dietary cholesterol is needed to supplement this.

Cholesterol cannot dissolve in our blood. Instead, they are packed into small protein-covered particles called lipoproteins that mix with blood and circulate through the body. Some particles are big and fluffy like LDL, while others are small and dense like HDL.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) transport cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. If too high, these fluffy particles deposit in the walls of the coronary arteries and other arteries throughout the body forming plaques, causing furring of the arteries and limiting blood flow. When a plaque breaks apart, it blocks a major artery – causing a heart attack or stroke. Because of this, high LDL cholesterol causes harm.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) scavenge cholesterol from the bloodstream, from LDL, and from artery walls and ferry it back to the liver for disposal, much like bin lorries of the bloodstream. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as good, or protective, cholesterol.

Triglycerides make up most of the fat that we eat and that travels through blood. Triglycerides are important for good health, though high levels of triglycerides can be unhealthy.

In general, the lower your LDL and the higher your HDL, the better your chances of preventing heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Reducing cholesterol naturally

Plant based foods lower cholesterol in various ways. Some deliver soluble fibre, which binds cholesterol particles in the gut and removes them from circulation. Some like nuts and legumes, provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL, and some contain plant sterols and stanols, which block the body from absorbing cholesterol.

Plant based diets improve gut health, reduce inflammation and obesity and help improve blood pressure.

1. Oats, Barley and other whole grains help lower the risk of heart disease, by providing soluble fibre.

2. Beans, kidney beans, black eyed beans and other legumes are especially rich in soluble fibre.

3. Aubergine and Okra. These two low-calorie vegetables are good sources of soluble fibre.

4. Nuts including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts are cardio protective. Eating 2 ounces of nuts a day can slightly lower LDL.

5. Vegetable oils. Using liquid vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower and safflower helps lower LDL.

Medications

Statins like Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in doses of 20-80mg, reduce harmful cholesterol. If intolerant to statins, alternative cholesterol lowering agents like ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and the newer incliseran injections 6 monthly can be used.

Please contact your GP surgery for your health checks each year, to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Dr Suparna Behura FRCGP
Partner and Trainer

Monday-Friday – 8.00am-6.30pm
Tel – 01926 857331
www.castlemedicalcentre.co.uk
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22 Bertie Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1JP