Cholesterol is one of the lipids used extensively by our body for diverse array of functions. Cholesterol, along with some other lipids, forms important cellular structural components, makes steroidal hormones, & produces energy when decomposed. Cholesterol, at some levels, is produced by the body (without ever letting you know!) while it also finds its way in your body when you feast on that yummy creamy cake!

Cholesterol is broadly categorized, on the basis of its density, into following classes:

• High Density Lipoproteins

• Low Density Lipoproteins

• Intermediate Density Lipoproteins

• Very Low Density Lipoproteins

• Chylomicrons

The levels of these cholesterol types reflect the state of health of your body. The blood cholesterol levels define degree and asperity of a cascade of diseases, like:

• Atherosclerosis & atherosclerosis associated cardiovascular disorders: Atherosclerosis is a stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits inside the arterial walls. This deposition of fatty acids is a long term process which, in due course of time, leads to narrowing of arteries and to be hardened. It results in the diminution of arterial elasticity leading to reduction in the blood volume passed through them thus, leafing out various symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases.

• Vascular dementia & Alzheimer’s disease: Vascular dementia (or mental deterioration, in layman terms!) is caused when blood vessels deprive the brain of oxygen, as a result of which brain cells die. Some studies report high cholesterol levels to increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

A famous neurological disorder, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of pre-senile dementia that results in impaired memory which is followed by impaired thought and speech and finally complete helplessness. It has been reported that much of the damage of Alzheimer’s is due to the deposition of a sticky protein, called beta-amyloid in the vital areas of the brain and unfortunately, higher levels of cholesterol are believed to accelerate the formation of beta-amyloid plaques!

• Miscellaneous effects like peripheral vascular disease (numbness in limbs due to high cholesterol levels in blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood), cancer (due to suppression of a tumor suppression gene by TGF) & pregnancy colligated complications (due to dramatic rise in cholesterol count during pregnancy) have been reported quite frequently.

All these monstrous diseases certainly require us to stay informed about our cholesterol levels & overall lipid profiles. Usually, cardiovascular disease risk index (blood HDL & LDL ratio) is obtained by monitoring pulse rates, blood pressure, ECG, checking kidney functions, listening to heart beats and large arteries. However, a general quick idea of cholesterol levels can be obtained by various easy-to-use handy equipments available in the market which can used individually to test cholesterol levels without any laboratory expertise.

These testing machines are able to measure Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides & total cholesterol with a reasonable accuracy.

The ideal cholesterol level in the blood is less than 5mmol/l. While the cholesterol levels between 6.5 to 7.8mmol/l are termed as moderate, anything above 7.8mmol/l is termed as Very High Cholesterol & surely you wouldn’t want your meter read anywhere near to it! So, stay informed and eat healthy!