What is cholesterol? How many types of cholesterol are there?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Ho Viet Le Diem - General Internal Medicine - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Cholesterol plays a very important role in human health. Cholesterol is present in almost every part of the human body, helping the body to develop and function normally. So what is cholesterol? How many types of cholesterol are there? The following article will help you answer those questions.

1. What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a component of blood lipids, and plays an important role in most body functions. Cholesterol is an indispensable element in the functioning of nerve fiber cells, as well as in the production of certain hormones, which help the body function normally and stay healthy.
Cholesterol is formed from 2 sources, either from the body's synthesis or from food. About 75% of cholesterol in the blood is produced in the liver and other organs in the body, the rest is from food. Foods containing cholesterol are all foods derived from animals such as meat, milk, egg yolks, animal viscera.

2. Classification of cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL - "bad" cholesterol and HDL - "good" cholesterol.
There is also Lp(a) Cholesterol, a variant of LDL - Cholesterol.

2.1 LDL – Cholesterol (the bad kind)

LDL - cholesterol plays a role in transporting most cholesterol in the body. If this cholesterol level increases a lot in the blood, there is a risk of fatty deposits in the walls of blood vessels (especially in the heart and lungs) causing atherosclerosis, so LDL - cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol. ". These atherosclerotic plaques can gradually narrow or block blood vessels, even sudden rupture of blood vessels, leading to dangerous complications such as myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.
High levels of LDL - cholesterol can depend on family factors, diet, unhealthy habits such as smoking, not exercising regularly or having high blood pressure. , diabetes.

2.2 HDL - Cholesterol (the good kind)

2.2 HDL - Cholesterol (the good kind) HDL - Cholesterol accounts for about 25 - 30% of the cholesterol content in the blood. HDL - Cholesterol plays a role in transporting cholesterol from the blood to the liver, and also removes cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques, limiting the cause of dangerous cardiovascular complications, so it is called "good" cholesterol. .
Low HDL - Cholesterol may be related to smoking habits, not exercising regularly, being overweight, obese...

2.3 Lp(a) Cholesterol

Lp(a) Cholesterol is a variant of LDL - Cholesterol. High levels of Lp(a) cholesterol in the blood can lead to the risk of forming atherosclerotic plaques.

3. Assess the cholesterol index in the blood

The increase in blood cholesterol levels has almost no obvious symptoms, only detected through periodic blood lipid testing.
According to the recommendations of the Vietnam Heart Association, all subjects aged 20 years and older should have regular check-ups every 5 years related to the basic components of blood lipids such as total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL - cholesterol and triglycerides.
Below is a table to evaluate the basic composition of blood lipids:

Through testing blood lipid components, you can know the current cholesterol content in your body, thereby making adjustments to your diet as well as your lifestyle to achieve the ideal cholesterol level. In case the adjustment of diet and lifestyle does not work, you should see your doctor for advice and instructions on using drugs to regulate blood cholesterol.
>> See more: < Drugs to treat total cholesterol
Currently, Vinmec International Hospital is implementing service packages of Cardiovascular Screening, including testing of blood cholesterol indicators for patients. allows you to accurately assess cholesterol levels, thereby helping you to adjust your diet, living and working habits accordingly and may be prescribed treatment if necessary.

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Reference source: Vietnam Society of Cardiology