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Importance of Knowing Your Total Cholesterol and Non-HDL Cholesterol levels


Cholesterol is fat-like substance, it is present in all cells of the body, much quantity in the brain and nerve tissue, it is also present in sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands. The human body gets cholesterol from two sources -

1) It is synthesized in the liver
2) From food

Excessive consumption of cholesterol leads to cardiovascular diseases.


Quality lipid review in the body system calculates total  cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Formerly, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) also known as "bad" lipoprotein used to be basic objective of therapy in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Drug and diet therapy to lower cholesterol were frequently based on the amount of LDL.

Recent research however, has detected that LDL is not the only type of lipoprotein capable of causing cardiovascular diseases.

Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein also tends to promote the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries, a situation known as "atherogenic".


It is therefore important to discover the total quantity of cholesterol that are atherogenic, this is necessary if you have high level of triglycerides, this usually occur among individuals suffering from metabolic disorder and abdominal obesity.


HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it is associated with eliminating LDL molecules from the bloodstream and returns it to the liver, where it can get excreted from the system.


LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol because it builds up in the arteries and thus, it is involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Calculating total cholesterol tells us the  risk of cardiovascular diseases.


When we subtract HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol the result will be that of the amount of cholesterol that has to do with all lipoprotein including:

• Chylomicron
• Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL)
• intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL)

All are linked with "bad" lipoprotein, and together they are called "Non-HDL cholesterol". All these lipoprotein apart from HDL are atherogenic.


Some people with some kind of cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorder may not have a high LDL level. This is why it is now necessary to measure the non-HDL cholesterol instead of relying on LDL cholesterol level alone.


If we only rely on low LDL level without noticing that the non-HDL level is high, a patient in this condition may be at risk of cardiovascular disease without sufficient attention.

Research suggests that calculating the non-HDL cholesterol levels gives a better result of the risk of cardiovascular/heart disease.


TEST :

The test which is known as "lipoprotein panel" is carried out with a blood sample that can measure the cholesterol levels.


HOW TO CALCULATE TOTAL CHOLESTEROL :

To calculate total cholesterol, you use this easy equation : LDL + HDL +(Triglycerides/5) = total cholesterol

For example, If your LDL is 100mg/dL, HDL is 50mg/dL and triglyceride level is 150mg/dL.

Then, you have - 100+50+(150/5) = 180.

This means that the total cholesterol is 180mg/dL.

It is possible you also find online calculator that will match the total cholesterol from the individual number.

HOW TO CALCULATE NON-HDL CHOLESTEROL :

This is done by subtracting HDL from the total cholesterol.

Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol

        = Non -HDL cholesterol

For example : If the total cholesterol is 180mg/dL (4.7mmol/L) and the HDL cholesterol is 50mg/dL (1.3mmol/L)

Non- HDL  will be 130mg/dL (3.4mmol/L).


According to federal cholesterol program guidelines, the non-HDL cholesterol level objective should be 30mg/DL higher than the LDL level objective. For instance, if your LDL treatment objective is <80mg/DL, the non-HDL treatment objective would be <110mg/DL.


Healthy level of Non-HDL ranges from less than 120mg/dL to 130mg/dL ( may depend on age and gender ).

Healthy level of HDL cholesterol however, ranges from less than 40 - 50mg/dL  (may depend on age and gender). The higher your HDL level, the better.


Apparently, any meaningful reduction in non-HDL similarly implies meaningful reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.


With proper treatment and healthy lifestyle there is usually speedy improvement in non-HDL levels. So, no need to panic if your non-HDL level is high.


HOW TO LOWER NON-HDL CHOLESTEROL

First therapy is usually leading a healthy lifestyle - lowering total calories, especially saturated and trans fats, regular exercise is necessary also.

It is important to lower the
consumption of carbohydrate foods and also sugar especially in patients suffering from metabolic disorder or obesity. Quit junks, increase physical activity, weight management is necessary and also reduce stress.

It is important to quit smoking if you smoke, research has shown that HDL level in smokers are usually low when compared to non-smokers.

Alcohol should be greatly reduced too, it is better if you can quit it.


Medical treatment may also be recommended if lifestyle changes alone do not lower your non-HDL cholesterol : Statin drug to lower LDL  and other treatments to reduce non-HDL cholesterol to normal target will be recommended.


The medicine that deals with lowering of cholesterol may have side effects, it is therefore necessary to consult your healthcare provider so as to know the one that is better for you, while taking medications, it is important to continue leading a healthy lifestyle.


You can check here for a natural and safe medicine to lower bad cholesterol levels : Safe product to lower bad cholesterol levels


Related : Diabetes : Types and Management

All you need to know about Ketogenic diet

Health benefits of Apples

Health benefits of Banana


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