Health Information

Overview

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases. Consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber decreases cholesterol in circulation. Taking lovastatin, cholestyramine, compactin, and clofibratre reduce the plasma cholesterol level. An increase in the plasma cholesterol is known as Hypercholesterolemia. The Hypercholesterolemia is seen in many disorders. Such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism (myxoedema), nephritic syndrome.
· Diabetes mellitus - This is due to increase cholesterol synthesis.
· Hypothyroidism - This is due to decrease in the HDL receptors on hepatocythes.
· Nephritic syndrome - This is due to increase in plasma globulin Concentration.

LDL cholesterol is positively correlated and HDL cholesterol is negatively correlated with cardiovascular diseases.

How to Control Hypercholesterolemia

Dietary intake of PUFA, dietary fiber and avoiding a high carbohydrate diet reduces the plasma cholesterol level.

Consumption of PUFA

By taking PUFA the cholesterol is excreted from the body. The rich sources of PUFA are cottonseed oil, Soya bean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, fish oil, etc. The coconut and ghee are poor sources of PUFA.

Dietary fiber

Taking fiber-containing vegetables can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in intestines.

Avoiding a high carbohydrate diets

To control Hypercholesterolemia the intake of sucrose must be avoided.

Treatment

Below 200mg percent is considered worth desiring and above 240mg percent requires lipoprotein analysis, to determine LDL cholesterol. To attained ideal body weight a person must take less cholesterol that is 300 mg per day and intake of fats less than 30 percent of total calories. The fats should be a mono or polyunsaturated. By taking cholestyramine and colestipol the cholesterol are converted to bile acids and it’s excreted through feces. In severe hyperlipidemia the lovastatin and cholestyramine is used. Decrease in plasma cholesterol is also seen. Many disorders like, hyperthyroidism, pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndrome, etc are some of disorders seen in Hypercholesterolemia.