Cholesterol Screening

Despite several decades in the spotlight of medical, cholesterol remains one of the most contentious aspects of the factors that influence or health.

Each day the liver manufactures up to 1g of blood cholesterol, the fat like, waxy material that is a component of all cells. Blood cholesterol is also involved in the creation of some hormonesdefine, and helps to make vitamin D and bile acids, which aid digestion.

The major risks of heart disease caused by high levels of blood cholesterol are rooted in genetic make-up, though diet and obesity are also important factors. While there is nothing that can be done about heredity, you can change your diet.

Eating to keep cholesterol in check;
A healthy diet will go a long way to protect against excessive levels of blood cholesterol, as well as lowering those that are already too high.

Foods that may raise cholesterol;

• Hard margarine and solid cooking fats which are high in saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.
• Fatty meat and meat products, such as lamb chops, mince hamburgers, bacon, frankfurters, salamis and pies.
• Biscuits, cakes, chocolates and pastries.
• Full fat dairy products, such as hard cheese, cream and butter.

Foods that may lower cholesterol;

• Whole-wheat bread and rolls, rye crisp bread and granary bread.
• Fruits, such as oranges, apples, pears, bananas and dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, and prunes.
• Porridge oats and breakfast cereals which contain cooked bran.
• Vegetables, such as sweetcorn, mangetout, onions, garlic, broad beans, red kidney beans and haricot beans.

How cholesterol levels are measured?

Lab testing of cholesterol levels in blood is an increasingly popular practice, but to be certain of reliable results testing is best done under medical supervision.

Levels of cholesterol are measured in millimoles/liter (mmol/l), against which the risks of heart disease are calculated.

Level of Cholesterol and its associated Risk Factor:

• Less than 5.2 mmol/l : Low
• 5.2-6.5 mmol/l : Average
• 6.5-7.8 mmol/l : Moderate
• Greater than 7.8 mmol/l: High

However, when assessing the risk other factors also need to be considered. Account should be taken of any family history of heart disease as well as an individual’s life style. For example, a cholesterol level of 6.4 mmol/l might be acceptable in a fit man with no other risk factor but worryingly high for a man who had angina, or whose family had a long history of the illness.