Frequently Asked Questions

What are you referring to when you say ‘good cholesterol'?
Good cholesterol refers to HDL, or High Density Lipoprotein. It is important in removing cholesterol from peripheral tissues. This protein is made in the liver. It is considered good since there is an inverse relation of HDL to the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis.

If there is a good cholesterol, is there a bad cholesterol?
Bad cholesterol is associated with LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein, which in contrast to HDL, transports cholesterol to peripheral tissues. It is synthesized in the serum and plasma, not in the liver. A positive correlation exists between the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis and the plasma concentration of LDL.

Where is cholesterol mainly found?
Cholesterol is distributed in all cells of the body, most importantly the nervous tissue. It is the principal constituent of plasma membrane and of plasma lipoproteins. It basically exists as cholesteryl ester.

I am fat, does that mean I have high cholesterol?
People who are fat or slightly overweight do not necessarily mean they have high levels of cholesterol, however, they are prone to develop hypercholesterolemia. In line with this, those who weigh normally or are even thin does not necessarily imply that they cannot have high levels of cholesterol. There are risk factors for the development of cholesterol levels exceeding normal values.

What are the associated conditions that would make me prone to develop high levels of cholesterol?
Conditions that might lead one to have high levels of cholesterol are Diabetes Mellitus, ethanol consumption, intake of oral contraceptives, renal diseases and hypothyroidism.

If I have slightly high levels of cholesterol, should I take oral medications right away?
No. Cholesterol levels can be lowered down by lifestyle modifications, especially those with comorbid diseases, stopping intake of oral contraceptives and consulting your doctor for an alternative, and most importantly, by changing your diet. You should limit your intake of fatty and oily foods.