Cholesterol
What is Cholesterol
  • A soft waxy substance found in blood
    • Essential for the production of hormones
    • A risk factor at higher levels
Risk of High Cholesterol
  • 1%  ↑ Cholesterol results in a 2 – 3 % ↑ risk *
  • ↑ TC / HDL ratio significantly increases risk #
*Framingham Study, 1984   
#The Quebec cardiovascular study, 2001


Causes:
  • Diet high in saturated fat
  • Unhealthy BMI
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Age
  • Family history

Complications:
  • Atherosclerosis – narrowing of arteries
  • Arythmia - irregular heartbeat
  • Angina – chest pain
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

 CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES
 * SA Cholesterol Guidelines 
 Type
 Levels in mmol / litre
 Total Cholesterol < 5
 LDL (Bad Cholesterol) < 3
 Triglycerides < 1.5
 HDL (Good Cholesterol) > 1.2
 TC / HDL
 < 4
 Other Risk  Factors 
 Lipoprotein (a), Homocysteine, hs – CRP, Fibrinogen
  


Be sure to download our LIFESTYLE SHEET for more information.
 

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