High cholesterol has increasingly become a health concern for many. This condition, characterized by elevated cholesterol levels in the blood, has been linked to various health risks, including heart disease. Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in the bloodstream and is important for several bodily functions, such as building and maintaining cell membranes, producing hormones, and aiding in fat digestion. However, simply having cholesterol levels under control does not necessarily mean one is safe from health problems, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar. In her latest Instagram video, Ms. Diwekar underscored the importance of understanding the nuances of cholesterol levels rather than just focusing on total cholesterol levels. She pointed out three key numbers in a cholesterol report that are essential for assessing heart disease risk.
Check out her post:
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High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, plays a critical role in heart health. According to Diwekar, HDL levels rise in response to regular exercise. Ideally, HDL levels should be above 50. People who exercise regularly often achieve HDL levels of 50 or more, while people who don't exercise are more likely to have HDL levels below 40. Ms. Diwekar points out that if a person's total cholesterol is below 200 but their HDL level is below 40, it could indicate a lack of exercise and an increased risk of heart disease, even though cholesterol levels appear to be under control.
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The Athlete's Paradox: Ms. Diwekar also talked about a phenomenon known as the “athlete's paradox.” This occurs when people who exercise regularly have high total cholesterol levels, often above 200. But the key difference is in their HDL and triglyceride levels. People with the athlete's paradox typically have HDL levels above 50 and triglyceride levels below 150, indicating a lower risk of heart disease despite having elevated cholesterol.
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High cholesterol, low HDL, high triglycerides: There is cause for concern if total cholesterol is above 200, HDL is below 40, and triglycerides are above 150. This combination indicates an increased risk of heart disease.
Ms Diwekar advises not to panic if cholesterol reports only show total cholesterol. She says it is important to consider these other markers to properly assess heart health. “Before you rush into deciding whether or not there is something wrong with you, you need to check your daily habits. How a person lives is much more important than the numbers in their reports,” she says.
She advises:
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Do not check numbers unless you are specifically asked to do so.
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Remember that clinical correlations (not only with habits) but also with other factors such as HbA1c, TSH, liver enzymes, blood pressure, etc. are crucial before making decisions.
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If someone just reads your report and tells you what to do without examining you clinically, you are probably misled.
Keep these tips in mind to improve your health in the future.
Disclaimer: This content including advice is intended as general information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not take any responsibility for this information.