Let's learn exactly about cholesterol. (Cholesterol) This is how to establish the good-bad ratio!

Have you recently had a blood test? Did you get confused by the big words and numbers like "Cholesterol"? Some people say "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol." What exactly is cholesterol? Why is it important to our bodies? Don't worry, today we'll talk about it very simply, as if we were talking to a friend.

Cholesterol is simply a fatty substance in our blood. It is produced by our liver and also comes from the food we eat. Think of our body as a house, and cholesterol is like the bricks used to build that house. It helps build every cell in our body, produce hormones, protect nerves, and even help digest food. So it is something that we cannot live without. But the problem is that it is out of balance.

How do 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol affect the body?

You've probably heard your doctor talk about 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol. It's important to understand the difference between the two.

In this way, LDL deposits in the blood vessels and narrows them, which we medically call atherosclerosis . This hinders blood flow. The most dangerous thing is that if one of these 'plaques' suddenly ruptures, a blood clot can form there and completely block the blood vessel. If this happens in a blood vessel in the heart , a heart attack occurs, and if it happens in a blood vessel in the brain , a stroke occurs.

So what is 'Total Cholesterol'?

Your blood report will have a value called 'Total Cholesterol'. This is a slightly higher value than the sum of HDL and LDL.

However, if the Total Cholesterol value is high because of high 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) levels, that's where we need to be concerned. Therefore, it is more important to look at HDL and LDL values ​​separately than the Total value.

Cholesterol Ratio and Triglycerides

You may have also heard the term 'Cholesterol Ratio'. This is calculated by dividing your Total Cholesterol value by your 'good' HDL value. For example, if your Total value is 200 and your HDL value is 50, the ratio would be 4:1.

However, doctors are now focusing more on controlling your LDL levels than on this ratio. So it's important to talk to your doctor about what numbers are best for you and what you need to pay attention to.

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood. When we eat too many fatty foods, sweets, and carbohydrates like rice and bread, and when we consume more calories than we burn, triglyceride levels increase. This also increases the risk of heart disease.

Are there ways to control high cholesterol levels?

You may be thinking, "Oh, my cholesterol is high, what do I do now?" The good news is, yes, there are many things we can do to control this. These things won't change overnight, they take time and commitment.

1. Lifestyle Changes

This is the most important and first thing to do. It involves two main things.

• Regular exercise: Doing aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, can increase 'good' HDL cholesterol and reduce 'bad' LDL and triglycerides. It can also help control blood pressure.
• A heart-healthy diet: This is the other most important thing.

2. Medication, if necessary

Sometimes, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control your cholesterol levels. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe medication.

Very important: These medications should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor, in the dosage and as directed. Never start taking them on your own, thinking that someone else is taking them. Also, don't give up good lifestyle habits just because you started taking the medication. Doing both together will give the best results.