Lipids: Why Are They Crucial for Your Heart Health?

Heart health is often ignored by most of us until a serious problem arises. Our heart is a vital organ that delivers oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues, which means your heart is a key organ in maintaining your overall good health. With today’s stressful lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, our heart health is at risk. An unhealthy heart can be a cause of various heart diseases like stroke and heart failure. That’s where a lipid profile test becomes important. A lipid profile is a simple blood test that can identify early signs of heart problems and prevent major health complications. The test gets you a clear picture of your cholesterol and fat levels. If your cholesterol is high, it can lead to a heart stroke.

What Are Lipids?

Lipids are a type of fat molecule present in the human body. These fats play an important role in supplying energy to your body. They also store extra energy for later use, send signals between cells, and they also form the outer layer of cells (called the cell membrane), which keeps your cells together and protected. Lipids have the most variety out of the four key molecules needed for life. While some lipids are fats, some are oils, some are found in cell walls and others act as messengers in the body. Lipids are important for our body to function but high lipid levels can be a concern because high lipid levels mean high cholesterol.

What Happens When Lipid Levels Are High?

If the lipid levels, especially the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, are above the normal levels, they can cause serious damage to your body. Over time, high lipid levels can lead to: 

1. Risk of Heart Disease: Excess cholesterol can stick to the walls of your arteries, which can develop into conditions like high blood pressure and heart stroke.

2. Risk of Stroke: When arteries that supply blood to the brain get blocked due to high lipid deposits, it can lead to a stroke.

3. Artery Blockage: High lipid levels can make arteries hard and narrow. This can reduce the blood circulation and affect different parts of your body.

4. Fatty Liver: High amounts of triglycerides can build up in your liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease.

What Causes Abnormal Lipid Levels?

From unhealthy eating habits to stressful lifestyles, there are several factors that are responsible that can lead to high lipid levels. Below are the factors that can raise the amount of lipids present in your blood:

Unhealthy diet: If you are regularly consuming food rich in trans fat like fried and processed food, red meat, and sugar.

Genetics: If your family has a history of heart related disease, you are likely to develop it too over time. It’s necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle and conduct regular testing to monitor and manage your lipid levels.

Lack of exercise: If you are not physically active and not following any workout routine. It can contribute to increased lipid levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Medical conditions: Certain health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and thyroid can also boost fat molecules in your blood that lead to high lipid levels.

Smoking: If you are struggling with obesity, excessive smoking can damage your blood vessels and raises LDL, or bad cholesterol.

Excessive Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol can also trigger the levels of triglycerides. Which is bad for your heart health.

Symptoms That May Suggest High Lipid Levels in the Blood

In your day to day life you may not experience any abnormality even if your cholesterol levels are dangerously high. That’s where conducting a regular test is necessary. But if you experience the following, you must not delay and book an appointment with a doctor:

• Frequent chest pain or tightness
• Family history of heart problems
• Fatigue or shortness of breath
• High blood pressure
• Yellowish deposits near eyes 
• Obesity or weight gain

What Is a Lipid Profile Test, and What Does It Measure?

A lipid profile test also known as a lipid panel or cholesterol test, evaluates the level of fat present in your blood. These fats are lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. So amounts of lipids are always present in our blood, but if the levels of these fat cells increase in blood, they can block your arteries and cause serious heart-related problems. If due to any reason, you believe you are at risk of developing a heart disease, you must add this lipid profile test into your regular health checkups. It helps assess your risk of heart disease and monitors how well your body is handling these fats. A lipid profile blood test generally measures these five major components:

• Total Cholesterol: It’s the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood.

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as the “bad cholesterol”. High levels may cause plaque buildup in arteries.

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Called the “good cholesterol”. It helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

• VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): Carries triglycerides. High levels can signal increased risk.
• Triglycerides: These are fats that your body gets from your regular food. High levels of triglycerides can cause heart disease and pancreatitis.

Lipid Profile Normal Values

The table below showcases the normal and healthy range of parameters tested in a lipid profile test. The results may vary from lab to lab. So before you jump to the conclusion, consult your doctor first.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Lipid Levels Naturally 

When it comes to reducing cholesterol levels, small changes can make a big difference. Follow these simple steps to bring down your cholesterol levels and lead a healthy lifestyle: 

1. Eat Right: Plan a diet that is balanced and rich in fibre like oats, beans, and fruits. Also include healthy fats from fish, olive oil, and nuts in your regular diet.

2. Regular Monitoring: Include a lipid profile test in your regular body checkup to keep an eye on lipid levels. Regular checkups can keep you updated and help in timely action.

3. Exercise Regularly: Working out can help in the long run. Simple physical activities like walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming along with a healthy diet, can drastically reduce bad cholesterol. Exercising every day for a minimum of 30 minutes can significantly raise HDL and lower LDL.

4. Quit Smoking: Excessive smoking every day can instantly leave a bad impact on your HDL levels. Quitting smoking can also protect your arteries and lungs.

5. Limit Alcohol: Consumption of too much alcohol can increase your triglycerides. Try to drink in moderation occasionally.

6. Stay Hydrated: To keep a heart in good shape, it’s important you drink enough water throughout the day. It also prevents blood from becoming too thick and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.

High cholesterol doesn’t always show symptoms, that’s why if you are under 40, you should consult a doctor and take a lipid test at least once a year. Remember, heart strokes are sudden and life threatening. The right steps taken in time can not only save your life but also save you from heavy medical expenses. So, don’t wait for symptoms to appear, keep your heart healthy with nutritious food, regular exercise, and positive lifestyle changes.

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