Studies show that in 1665, Robert Boyle discovered that the lacteals of animals contain fat after a fatty meal. That was when the first thought that a fat transport system existed in the blood came into focus. In 1924, tests on human blood were done taken after a fatty meal which proved that it contains tiny particles of fat in the blood. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was first isolated in 1929 from horse serum and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was discovered in 1950. The fat transport system (receptor) is what delivers lipoprotein to targeted tissues. Genetically altered or absent receptors caused by the defects in the system would promote atherosclerosis, xanthomatosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

High cholesterol is also known as hypercholesterolemia. It is a substance which is waxy in texture that the body uses to protect nerves, create several tissues and in the production of certain hormones. Cholesterol is made in the liver for all needs of the body. Cholesterol can also be derived from the direct intake of food such as meat dairy products, and eggs. Excessive cholesterol has a negative impact on the body.

There are usually no symptoms in people who suffer from hypercholesterolemia until they suffer a heart attack. A diet high in saturated fat and animal products causes high levels of cholesterol in some people. For others, high cholesterol could run in the family and is genetic.

The difference between good and bad cholesterol
The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the body is known as “bad cholesterol”. Its work is to deliver cholesterol to the body. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) present in the body is called “good cholesterol”. This helps to remove cholesterol from the blood. When total cholesterol levels are high due to a high level of LDL, there is a higher risk of stroke or heart diseases. Whereas, when the total cholesterol level is high because of high levels of HDL, then there is not much risk. This is why LDL cholesterol is bad for the body and high levels of HDL cholesterol is considered good. When excessive calories are consumed, a certain type of fat present in the body converts the extra calories into triglycerides.

Ideal levels of cholesterol
Depending on the HDL and LDL levels, the total cholesterol level should be ideally less than 200. LDL levels of cholesterol are best when they are less than 130. HDL levels of cholesterol are best at 60 or higher. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg / per deciliter (mg/dl). The risk of heart disease is due to high cholesterol. In our country, the major reason for the death of men and women is said to be high cholesterol leading to heart disease. Women in the age group of 20 to 40 are at 125 times greater risk.

It is ideal for children whose parents have high cholesterol to be screened and treated accordingly. By ages 9 to 12, it is ideal that they are screened for cholesterol levels and be treated along with diet and exercise and necessary lifestyle changes. It affects about 1 in 400 people of the general population. It is said to be more common than other genetic diseases.