Contents
and Health
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major global health issue, affecting more people than any other chronic condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that CVD led to 17.9 million deaths in 2016, making it the leading cause of death worldwide for the past two decades.
One of the key factors leading to CVD is unhealthy cholesterol levels, which can be caused by an imbalance of lipoproteins, or fats and proteins in the blood. This Comprehensive Guide will explain the role of lipoproteins in CVD and provide useful information on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
What are Lipoproteins?
Lipoproteins are tiny particles composed of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids. These particles transport cholesterol and triglycerides to tissues and other organs throughout the body. There are two main types of lipoproteins: Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and High-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. HDL also known as “good” cholesterol and helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body and returns it to the liver for processing.
The Role of Lipoproteins in Cardiovascular Disease
Having too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This can cause a range of cardiovascular problems such as angina, heart attack, and stroke. On the other hand, having too little HDL cholesterol increases the risk of CVD as it prevents your body from removing excess cholesterol.
Tips to maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
To reduce the risk of CVD, it’s important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels by using the following tips:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole-grain carbohydrates and lean proteins like fish, chicken, and tofu.
- Exercise regularly by doing aerobic activities such as jogging, cycling, and swimming.
- Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of CVD.
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
- Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one or two drinks per day.
By following these tips and ensuring that you have regular check-ups to monitor your cholesterol levels, you can decrease your risk of CVD and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
