What cholesterol does for us — the good and bad

Cholesterol is a fat-like molecule that your body needs to stay healthy. It helps make new cells, certain vitamins and aids in digestion. 

However, too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. John Kotter, a cardiologist in the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, shares important insights about cholesterol that can benefit heart health.

Why is cholesterol important?

Your body uses cholesterol to build cell membranes, make vitamin D and produce hormones. 

Without cholesterol, these important functions wouldn’t happen. But while cholesterol is necessary, it must be kept at healthy levels.

Why is balancing cholesterol levels important for heart health?

You need some cholesterol to stay healthy, but too much can be dangerous. 

High cholesterol can lead to serious problems like: 

• Artery disease
• Stroke
• Liver issues

When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can form plaques that narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?

Your family history plays a big role. If your parents or grandparents had high cholesterol, you may be more likely to have it too. Other things that can cause high cholesterol include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Not getting enough exercise

All of those lifestyle choices can raise cholesterol levels. Health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can also increase your risk.

How can you manage cholesterol levels?

There are many ways to keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range. 

• Eating a plant-based diet with healthy fats, like those found in nuts and fish, can help lower bad cholesterol. 
• Avoiding saturated and trans fats, which are found in fried and processed foods, is also important. 
• Regular exercise, even just 20 minutes a day, can improve cholesterol levels. 

For some people, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In these cases, doctors may prescribe medications that can help lower cholesterol safely and effectively.

How does UK HealthCare help with cholesterol?

UK HealthCare has experts who focus on preventing and treating high cholesterol. They also conduct research to find new ways to manage cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Their work helps improve treatments and provides better care for patients at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol is essential for your body, but too much can be harmful. Understanding the risk factors and making healthy choices can help keep cholesterol levels in check. If you're concerned about your cholesterol, talk to a doctor to find the best way to manage it and protect your heart health.