Change Language

Cholesterol: Good and Bad of It

Written and reviewed by
Dr. Hanish Gupta 90% (2010 ratings)
MBBS, DNB (General Medicine)
General Physician, Delhi  •  20 years experience
Cholesterol: Good and Bad of It

Over the last few decades, the word cholesterol has assumed a different connotation. It has come to be known as a silent killer that spells doom for health. However, what we need to realize is that a certain amount of cholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the body. The liver produces about 85% of the cholesterol that is required by the body normally. The ever changing food habits have introduced a lot of processed foods that are loaded with saturated fats. Along with this, reduced physical activity has led to accumulation of cholesterol in the blood.

The types of cholesterol are based on the density and we have 2 types of density that is Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is more dangerous than HDL, called as bad and good cholesterol respectively. In addition, the triglycerides and lipoprotein are also critical indicators of overall cholesterol levels. Depending on a person's age, height and weight, normal levels are derived for each of these four.

Because of their density of the cholesterol molecules, as they are circulating in the blood stream, they tend to get sluggish and settle down along the walls of the blood vessels, referred to as plaque. This plaque attracts more and more cholesterol from the blood and the layer gets gradually thicker. This reduces the thickness of the blood vessels and in severe cases even completely blocks blood flow to important organs like the brain and heart, leading to severe conditions like stroke and heart attack respectively.

However, it is not always that all cholesterol is bad. It is one of the essential things for the proper body functions with the main functions listed below:

  1. Each cell in the body requires it to form the cell membrane, the protective layer around the cells
  2. Synthesis of vitamin D is done with the help of cholesterol, which is very essential for skin health
  3. It also helps in hormone formation. In addition to steroids, other hormones like testosterone, estrogen, cortisol require cholesterol as a main ingredient
  4. Formation of neurotransmitters and overall nerve function requires cholesterol. This ensures optimal neurological functioning.

So, as noted above, there are, both good and bad aspects to cholesterol. It is not all that dangerous a thing that it is made out to be. The trick is to maintain a good level of cholesterol so that the body's requirements are met, and at the same time, the harmful effects are kept at bay. Some important parameters to manage, include the percentage of bad cholesterol in the blood and the ratio of triglycerides to HDL in the blood. These are considered fair indicators of heart health and if need be, lifestyle changes and/or medications can be undertaken to manage overall health and reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.

4500 people found this helpful
Icon

Book appointment with top doctors for Staying Healthy treatment

View fees, clinic timings and reviews

Related Questions

I am getting somewhat weak daily I am doing regular exercise but I ...
996
I'm going to get married In 12 months and about my sex life I'm com...
560
I can't stay more than 2 minutes and erection happens if continued ...
98
I am gym lover I work out 1 hr daily in gym so is it effect on penn...
89
I am 21 year old female with hypothyroidism with 80kg weight with a...
190
I am very weak boy so how will increase my body or weight Wait gain...
640
I want to gain weight so what I have to do? What kind of food, exer...
317
I have problem of weight gain and tummy has spouted out can you ple...
1098
View all related questions

Related Health Tips

Happy Republic Day - Daily Habits To Stay Fit Like Soldier!
11594
Happy Republic Day - Daily Habits To Stay Fit Like Soldier!
Drinking Water During Meals: Good or Bad?
18546
Drinking Water During Meals: Good or Bad?
Aloe Vera - 7 Super Amazing Health Benefits!
11608
Aloe Vera - 7 Super Amazing Health Benefits!
Feeling Hot! Here's Why You Must Not Drink Cold Water!
13094
Feeling Hot! Here's Why You Must Not Drink Cold Water!
Clinical & Therapeutic Diet - All You Should Know!
3216
Clinical & Therapeutic Diet - All You Should Know!
Apple Cider Vinegar - 8 Amazing Health Benefits You Never Knew!
7550
Apple Cider Vinegar - 8 Amazing Health Benefits You Never Knew!
Watch What Happens When You Drink Water Along With Your Food. It'll...
16622
Watch What Happens When You Drink Water Along With Your Food. It'll...
Eating Out - 7 Hacks to Eat Healthy!
8563
Eating Out - 7 Hacks to Eat Healthy!
View more health tips

To view more such exclusive content

Download Lybrate App Now

Get Add On ₹100 to consult India's best doctors