Is Cholesterol A Primary Cause of Heart Diseases?

Cholesterol has garnered a notorious reputation in the health community due to its strong connection with heart diseases and health complications. Despite its essential role in human nutrition, it is perceived to be a villain due to its adverse impact on heart and vascular health.

Is cholesterol really the villain? How does it affect heart health, and what role does it play in triggering heart disease? We asked a leading heart specialists and cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale about cholesterol and its impact on heart health.

With his inputs we dispel the regular cholesterol myths and improve your awareness and then answer the question: Is Cholesterol a primary cause of heart diseases? Read on to know his answers.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in almost every food we eat, albeit in different levels. It is an essential part of human nutrition due to its fundamental role in many bodily functions.

Cholesterol is also inherently present in our body in the cell membranes. Our body needs healthy levels of cholesterol to perform various functions, which include the production of body hormones, digestion of fats, and synthesis of Vitamin D. However, the body needs only a healthy amount of cholesterol, and when it becomes excessive in the human body, this cholesterol creates problems for our health.

What happens in the body when you consume cholesterol-rich foods?

When we eat foods with cholesterol, the body absorbs the cholesterol present in them and uses it for hormone production and vitamin D synthesis. Excess cholesterol consumed is turned into bile and sent to the liver for elimination. The liver and bile may use it for digestion in the small intestine and push the rest out of the body.

“However, when one continually consumes food high in bad cholesterol, the cholesterol levels in the blood may rise to unhealthy levels, eventually creating problems for the heart,” said cardiothoracic surgeon and heart specialist in Hyderabad, Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

Are there good and bad types of cholesterol?

Yes, there are good and bad types of cholesterol. There are HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. While HDL cholesterol helps in removing excess cholesterol in the body, LDL cholesterol is the main villain responsible for the formation of plaques and blood clots, which lead to heart disease and other health problems.

How Cholesterol can impact heart health and trigger serious health conditions?

This waxy substance can harm heart health in many ways. Excess LDL cholesterol can get deposited in the arteries, creating plaques that narrow the blood flow in the arteries, eventually leading to heart diseases. The narrowing of these arteries can increase blood pressure in patients.

• The plaques caused by the cholesterol can eventually rupture the arteries and block the blood supply to the brain, leading to a stroke.
• The narrowing of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) can also lead to peripheral artery diseases, which can cause pain, tissue damage, reduced mobility, and even amputation.
• Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to blood clots that block the blood supply to the heart, leading to a heart attack.
• The plaques and blood clots may also reduce blood flow to the organs, leading to kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and intestinal ischemia.

So to answer the question: Is cholesterol a primary cause of heart diseases? Yes, in a regular person, excessive LDL cholesterol

How to manage cholesterol levels for better heart health?

According to scientific evidence, there are certain cholesterol guidelines prescribed by the scientific community for maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in the body. It is recommended to consult a qualified heart surgeon to understand the cholesterol guidelines better and ensure the right heart health.

In addition to these guidelines, patients are recommended to consume good cholesterol sources (HDL) in moderation while maintaining regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and weight for optimal health. The cholesterol guidelines, as well as the health objectives, are dependent on the person’s age, sex, medical conditions, and risk factors for heart disease. If you are in Hyderabad and are looking to seek more help, Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale is the best cardiothoracic surgeon and heart specialist in Telangana who can assist you in reducing your risk of heart conditions.