As noted specialist in diseases of the UB Clinic Jakarta dr. Dedy Sudrajat Sp.PD, cholesterol levels in the blood other than food intake may also be influenced by genetic factors.
"Cholesterol is also produced by the body in the liver, which is as much as 80 percent. So that cholesterol can not be indicated in weight. When people thin, but has a risk of cholesterol from descendants, could have higher levels of fat people," said Dedy.
Deddy added, high cholesterol need to be aware for being a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), which is a disease the number one cause of death worldwide. In addition, cholesterol can also be correlated to other cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol, said Dedy, is needed by the body because it has important functions, including structuring the cell membrane, the protective skin of toxins and skin dryness, a precursor of steroid hormones, bile acid precursors, and the formation of vitamin D (with UV light). However, if the numbers do not match, it will cause health problems.
Dedy also said 10 percent of cholesterol reduction alone can reduce the risk of heart disease 50 percent. Therefore, it is important to lower cholesterol levels when it exceeds the normal limit. Normal total cholesterol is below 200 mg / dL, with trigiserida less than 150 mg / dL, HDL (good cholesterol) is above 60 mg / dL, while LDL (bad cholesterol) is less than 130 mg / dL.
Regular cholesterol testing is recommended by Dedy. "From the age of 20 years should be examined. However if have cholesterol offspring can be done earlier, even from childhood," he said
Strategies improving cholesterol levels by Dedy actually easy. Among others, by adjusting the diet, increasing physical activity, stop smoking, reduce stress, control weight, change your lifestyle, and nutritional genomics. This strategy can also be applied if a certain type of cholesterol levels do not match. With just always live a healthy lifestyle, cholesterol levels can be maintained remains normal.
