Lipids Flashcards
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. You also get it from animal products.
What is HDL cholesterol?
High density lipoprotein cholesterol, aka “good cholesterol”. Travels through the body and picks up excess circulating LDL to return it to the liver where it can be flushed away.
What is LDL cholesterol?
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, aka “bad” cholesterol. Build up of this type of cholesterol in arteries can raise risk of heart disease.
What are non modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol?
age (risk increases with age); gender - women have lower LDL until menopause and men have lower HDL at all times; family history (genes, shared behaviors and lifestyle, shared environment).
What are modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol?
Obesity and diabetes are risk factors. Eating a diet low in sat and trans fats; getting regular physical activity; not smoking are behaviors that lower risk.
What are the ranges for a lipid panel?
Total cholesterol: optimal = 150 mg/dl; high>200 mg/dl
HDL Men - at least 40 mg/dL
HDL Women - at least 50 mg/dL
HDL Desirable - 60 mg/dL or above
LDL: optimal = 100 mg/dl;>high is 160 mg/dL
Triglycerides: optimal = <150 mg/dl;>high is >200 mg/dL
Non HDL cholesterol: optimal = <130 mg/dl and high = <160 mg/dl
What are Lipoproteins?
Special proteins used to carry cholesterol and other fats in the blood
What is plaque?
Buildup of cholesterol and other compounds in the walls of blood vessels, reduces bloodflow, and can lead to heart disease and stroke
What health problems are caused by high LDL?
High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke (and high HDL can lower risk)
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. High triglycerides, combined with high LDL and/or low HDL, can lead to heart attacks
What are the symptoms for high cholesterol?
usually there are no symptoms, which is why regularly checking is important
