Understanding more about cholesterol and regularly checking you cholesterol levels can greatly assist in minimising your chances of heat attack and stroke.

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is found with the fats in the bloodstream and in the cells. Our bodies need cholesterol for forming cell membranes; producing vitamin D and for many other functions.

The body produces its own cholesterol and other sources of cholesterol come from mainly animal products like meat, egg yolks, whole-milk products and seafood. Our liver removes some of the excess but the rest is deposited on the inside of arteries, and here lies the problem. Too much cholesterol deposited on the inside of our arteries reduces blood flow, reduced blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack, and in the brain, a stroke.

The cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood so it has to be carried back and forth to the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. The two main kinds of lipoproteins are the good and the bad, or the HDL and LDL.

HDL or High Density Lipoprotein carries one-third to one-fourth of the cholesterol in the blood. HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and into the liver where it is eliminated from the body. That is why it is referred to as 'good' cholesterol. Studies have shown that a HDL level of greater than 40 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is good, and can give some protection against heart attacks.

LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein carries the rest of the cholesterol in the blood from the liver. Too much LDL in the blood can build up in arteries through a process called arteriosclerosis. It mixes with other substances and forms plaque, which are the hard deposits that block arteries. If a clot forms near the plaque in a heart artery, a heart attack can result. A clot blocking blood flow to the brain will cause a stroke.

LDL should be below 130 mg/dL for a healthy person. Keep in mind that these recommended numbers change regularly based on the newest findings.

A regular cholesterol check will give your total blood cholesterol. In order to find out the LDL and HDL levels you need to fast overnight before taking a blood sample. If you are over 40 years and do not know your cholesterol level, you really should have it checked. Prices in Phuket for a complete cholesterol check are usually less than 800 Baht.

Diet also plays an part in controlling cholesterol levels. It used to be held that a low fat diet is how to lower the levels. Newer studies show that it is the types of fats in the diet, rather than the percentage, that either raises or lowers the cholesterol levels.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet and quitting smoking are other ways to improve and maintain a healthy cholesterol level. If these changes do not produce a desired cholesterol level, drugs may be prescribed by your doctor to assist in controlling cholesterol levels.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services at Phuket International Hospital. Questions or comments may be sent by email to peter@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th or by fax to 076 210936