The Implications of High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is made up of fat-rich particles and is required in small amounts for healthy functioning of the body. However, if intake of fatty, high-cholesterol foods is not monitored and restricted, too much cholesterol may be accumulated. This will lead to high cholesterol readings when you have a blood test.

Different people have different capacities for processing cholesterol in the body, so some people seem to be able to eat recklessly and still have normal cholesterol levels, while others may be quite good with their diet but still suffer from raised cholesterol levels.

It is important that everyone has their cholesterol levels checked so that they know what action to take to maintain good long term health. Cholesterol levels are checked by means of standard blood tests which can be done by your GP or even at some pharmacies.

If cholesterol levels are high, there is a tendency for cholesterol particles to build up along the inner lining of blood vessels. Once this build up occurs, it tends to harden into what are called plaques, much like plaque that can form on people's teeth. Over time, depending on how high one's cholesterol level is, these plaques can thicken to such an extent that they totally block blood vessels. Also, these deposits can cause hardening of the blood vessels - which contributes to high blood pressure.

Blocked blood vessels result in the death of the tissues that those vessels are intended to supply with blood and nutrients. In the brain this results in strokes, in the heart this can cause heart attacks and/or heart disease, while in the outer extremities of the body this can lead to loss of sensation or even pain in limbs.

The good news is that high cholesterol levels respond well to diet and exercise, or a combination of diet, exercise and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Also, quitting smoking lessens the build up and instability of plaques in the blood vessels, reducing the chances of heart disease or stroke occurring.

For people with high cholesterol, the best way to exercise is to make up a routine which consists mainly of cardiovascular, aerobic and/or endurance exercise. However, this does not mean that strength training should be ignored. Every exercise program should be balanced if it is to be sustainable for life-long fitness (which is what we should all be striving for).