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Here’s What You Need To Know About Cholesterol, Statins, And Ceramides

Healthy Trends

Everyone knows that a high level of cholesterol is dangerous for their health as it could lead to life-threatening medical issues like stroke and may even cause cardiovascular problems. But, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 38% of the American population is struggling with high levels of cholesterol.

Know what that means?

It seems a good majority of the population is at risk of suffering stroke and developing heart diseases.

Pexels | Stay on the safe side and get a thorough medical check up down every 6 months

What is Cholesterol?

There’s a serious discussion regarding cholesterol and how high levels of it can be dangerous for heart health but, what is cholesterol in the first place? In simple words, cholesterol is a waxy type of lipid or fat that is required by the body to develop certain hormones important for regulating body functions. Your body usually makes all the cholesterol it needs but, you can also acquire it through your diet by consuming meat, milk, and other dairy products.

It is important to monitor the amount of cholesterol that you intake because it has the ability to block your blood vessels and arteries. It can also put you in a potentially life-threatening situation which is why doctors prescribe statins to patients with high cholesterol.

Healthline | Older adults generally consume statin in one form or the other

What are Statins?

These are a group of medicines that are prescribed to people struggling with high cholesterol. Thanks to the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme statins possess, cholesterol production in the liver is controlled, giving it the ability to significantly decrease the risk of developing heart diseases or stroke. It is reported that around 30% of the American population over the age of 40 takes statin in one way or another. While it does come with some minor side effects, the two most serious but rare ones include liver failure and skeletal muscle damage.

What are Ceramides?

Just like cholesterol, ceramides are also a type of lipid or fatty molecule that are essential parts in cell membranes and the synthesis found in lipids. As of recent, some clinics are using ceramides as a way to assess the cardiovascular risk factor for patients. Studies indicate that ceramide does play a part in developing heart disease and diabetes, while other studies show that ceramide can also increase the fat storing capability, decrease the use of glucose, and slow down the efficiency of mitochondria.

Pexels | Researchers now stand divided on the effectiveness of ceramides

From tried and tested means, the best and natural way to control cholesterol and its other lipids is by managing a healthy diet alongside exercise.

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