Various studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease. Researchers have concluded that an increase in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can result in heart disease. LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” cannot dissolve in the bloodstream and is carried away in the blood stream.
On the contrary, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good cholesterol,” is produced by the body to carry out various body functions. HDL plays a vital role in providing cells with necessary proteins for organ function. Therefore, any shortfall in HDL cholesterol in your blood can also lead to heart disease.
Blood Clot Formation out of Lipids
LDL contains lipids that accumulate in the bloodstream and form clots, blocking the blood vessel passage. Due to the blocked passage, your heart has to pump harder to send blood through the blocked arteries, resulting in high blood pressure. If these lipid accumulations reach a higher level, the blood vessel will become completely blocked, leading to a heart attack. This is how cholesterol and heart disease are related to each other.
Many physicians are focused on finding ways to reduce LDL levels in a patient’s blood, and research is ongoing to find a viable alternative to break the cholesterol-heart disease connection. Doctors may prescribe medications when natural ways to reduce LDL fail.
When considering the best cholesterol levels in a patient’s blood, a level of up to 200 is considered good, while a level of 201 to 239 is considered risky and can be controlled through strict diet control and exercise schedules.
If the level exceeds 240, the condition is considered serious and may require immediate treatment. Despite the many alternative ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, cholesterol and heart disease continue to be a major cause of heart disease.
Foods from animal sources, such as beef, whole milk, butter, eggs, and chicken, are high in fat and should be avoided to reduce fat accumulation in the blood. Additionally, deep-fried foods are also high in fat and should be avoided or eliminated.
Generally, plant-based foods are devoid of fat and can be included liberally in a healthy diet. Processed foods contain trans fatty acids that trigger cholesterol production and should be avoided for better heart health.