Download Cholesterol and Triglycerides - Factsheet

Cholesterol and Triglycerides - Factsheet
Cholesterol is a compound fatty substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is a sterol (a
combination of steroid and alcohol) and a lipid (a type of fat), and it is an essential component of
many hormones and many of the body’s metabolic processes.
Cholesterol is produced by the liver in adequate quantities to meet the body’s daily needs. However,
it is also found in fatty foods and it is often an excess of additional cholesterol from fatty foods that
causes the body’s blood cholesterol levels to rise to an unhealthy level.
If cholesterol levels rise above what the body requires for normal functioning, it can result in the
build up of fatty deposits on the surface of the arteries, forming calcium plaques, narrowing the
arteries, restricting blood flow and causing heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
For transportation around the body, cholesterol combines with protein and forms compounds
known as lipoproteins. Two important lipoproteins are: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the major carrier of cholesterol from the liver to the rest
of the body. When cholesterol levels are excessive, LDL deposits cholesterol on the artery walls and
a build up of cholesterol in the arteries leads to a clogging of the arteries which is a major factor in
the development of heart disease and other poor health conditions. Because of its role in depositing
cholesterol on the artery walls LDL is known as “bad cholesterol”.
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High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and
transports it back to the liver. In doing this it reduces cholesterol and lessens the chances of it being
deposited in the arteries. Because of its role in “mopping up” cholesterol, HDL is known as “good
cholesterol”.
The more HDL cholesterol and the less LDL cholesterol there is in the body the better. That is, the
higher the ratio of HDL to LDL the lower the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are also lipids or fats but they are of a different type to cholesterol.
Excess energy (kilojoules) from food is converted in to triglycerides and then stored in the body’s fat
cells as a source of energy for the body’s normal functioning and activities. But an oversupply of
energy from excessive kilojoule intake compared to the amount of energy required for the body’s
functioning and activity can result in high triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels can then
contribute to a hardening or thickening of the artery walls, and are a risk factor for the development
of heart disease, stroke and other conditions. Very high levels of triglycerides may also cause
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Healthy Cholesterol/Triglycerides Profile
Total Cholesterol:
<5.5mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol:
<2.5mmol/L
HDL Cholesterol:
>1.0mmol/L
Triglycerides:
<1.5mmol/L
Achieving a Healthy Cholesterol/Triglycerides Profile
Strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy cholesterol/triglycerides profile include:
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Eating a healthy, varied diet incorporating:
o Low fat or reduced fat dairy products
o Lean meat
o limited fatty or greasy foods including processed meats, fried foods etc
o fish (fresh or canned) twice a week
o polyunsaturated margarines in place of butter and dairy blends
o Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
o Increased fibre intake
Regular aerobic exercise
Alcohol within recommended limits.
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www.fitsense.com.au
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