Want to know exactly what your cholesterol level is? (Cholesterol Ratio)

Have you ever looked at a blood test report and wondered, "What the hell is this?" You've probably heard your doctor talk about "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol." It may seem a little confusing, but it's actually quite simple. Today, we're going to dive into the cholesterol story and talk about how important it is to keep your heart healthy.

First of all, what is cholesterol?

Simply put, cholesterol is a fatty, or oil-like substance found in our blood. It is mainly produced by our liver. In addition, it is also found in some of the foods we eat. Many people think that cholesterol is a bad thing. But that is not the truth. Cholesterol is essential for many important functions, such as building the structure of every cell in our body, producing hormones, protecting nerves, and helping with digestion.

So, the problem is not the presence of cholesterol. The problem is that it is out of balance.

The truth about 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol

Your blood report will mention two main types of cholesterol. Let's see what the difference is between the two. I will explain this in a table so that you can easily understand.

So what is Total Cholesterol?

The "Total Cholesterol" value on your report is mainly made up of your HDL and LDL values. But here's an important thing. Sometimes your Total Cholesterol value can be high because your 'good' HDL level is very high. In that case, it's not something to worry about. However, if your Total Cholesterol value is high because of an increase in 'bad' LDL levels, it's a dangerous situation. Therefore, it's very important not to panic when you see the values, but to talk to your doctor to understand them exactly.

What is Cholesterol Ratio?

This is a simple calculation that you can figure out yourself.

Your Cholesterol Ratio = Total Cholesterol Value ÷ HDL ('good' cholesterol) Value

For example, imagine that your Total Cholesterol value is 200 and your HDL value is 50.

Then your ratio will be 200 ÷ 50 = 4. That is a 4:1 ratio.

It is generally considered best to keep this ratio below 3.5:1. However, some doctors focus more on LDL than this ratio when planning treatment. Therefore, it is best to discuss with your doctor what values ​​are most important to you and how to control them.

Are triglycerides also relevant to this story?

Yes, absolutely. Triglycerides are another type of fat found in our blood. Like cholesterol, they are produced by our bodies and also come from the foods we eat. Specifically,

• Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats (e.g., fatty foods, bakery products, fast food)
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Simple carbohydrates (e.g. bread, flour products)
• Eating more calories than we burn per day

Things like this can cause triglyceride levels to rise. Elevated levels are another factor that increases the risk of heart disease.

What can we do to control cholesterol levels?

The good news is that we can control this situation very well. There are three main ways to do this.

1. Exercise regularly

Aerobic exercise, especially walking, running, swimming, and cycling, for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Exercise can also help control blood pressure.

2. A healthy diet

This is the most important thing.

• Things to reduce: Limit foods made with a lot of oil, coconut oil, processed meats, bakery products, margarines containing trans fats, sugar, and sweet foods.
• Things to add more to your diet: Fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. salmon, mackerel, tuna), avocados, olive oil, nuts (e.g. cashews, almonds), foods rich in soluble fibers such as oats, vegetables, and fruits.

3. Taking medication on medical advice

In some cases, it may be difficult to control your cholesterol levels with diet and exercise alone. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins . These medications lower LDL cholesterol levels, significantly reducing your risk of heart disease.

Most importantly: Never start or stop taking cholesterol medication without a doctor's recommendation.

If your cholesterol level is high, it will take some time and effort to control it. You will have to make lifestyle changes for at least three months and, if necessary, take medication. But the result of this effort, which means a healthy heart and a life free from serious diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, will be the most valuable gift you will ever receive. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain (angina), especially when you are exercising and relieved by rest, seek medical advice immediately. In an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.