Lipids are the name by which the fats found in the blood are known.
The function of lipids includes supporting the structure of cells by being part of the cell membrane, maintaining body temperature and being the basis for the production of hormones. But the most important function of lipids is to store energy for the body.
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If lipid levels become too high, they can build up on the artery walls to form plaque.
This plaque, called an atheroma , can block blood flow through the arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
The two main types of lipids in the blood are cholesterol and triglycerides , other types of lipids are phospholipids, glycolipids, steroids, lipoproteins, and wax.
Read more about: Types of Lipids and their functions
How many lipids does the body need?
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced diet.
In the body, lipid molecules can be broken down to make smaller molecules of fatty acids and glycerol.
Some fatty acids, called essential fatty acids, are vital for health. They can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, or fish.
However, it is important not to eat too much fat. This is because small amounts of lipid-rich foods can store large amounts of energy.
Eating too much fatty or oily food, without getting enough exercise, can cause obesity .
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance that is made primarily in the body when the liver breaks down saturated fat from food.
Cholesterol is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile. It is also a necessary component of cell membranes.
Cholesterol travels in the bloodstream in two ways:
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- Low-density lipoprotein ( LDL-Cholesterol ) It is often called ‘bad cholesterol’ because it carries cholesterol to the body’s tissues, including the arteries.
- High Density Lipoprotein ( HDL- Cholesterol ) It is often called ‘good cholesterol’ as it helps to pick up bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver.
The higher your HDL-Cholesterol level, the more “bad cholesterol” your body can eliminate.
Research has shown that for every 1 mg / dl increase in HDL-Cholesterol, the risk of a heart attack decreases by three to four percent.
What are triglycerides?
The triglycerides are another type of lipid or fat which is found in both the blood and food and its function is the storage of energy.
Triglycerides are absorbed into the blood after a meal or produced by the liver in response to diets rich in sugars, refined carbohydrates, or fats.
High triglyceride levels have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, especially in women.
People with diabetes tend to have higher triglycerides than those without the condition and also face higher risks if their triglyceride levels are high.
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Lipids in breast milk
Lipids make up 3-5% of the composition of breast milk. Half of the energy a baby receives from food comes from the lipids in breast milk.
Triglycerides are the main lipid found in breast milk, making up 98% of the fat in breast milk.
Cholesterol is essential for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.
Cholesterol is also needed to make hormones that regulate body functions.
Studies show that children exposed to cholesterol in breast milk appear to have better heart health as they grow older.
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Why are healthy lipid levels important?
Having high levels of fat in the blood can lead to fatty deposits (atheroma plaque) in the body’s blood vessels, including the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood).
This leads to the narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries or atherosclerosis .
How are lipids measured in the blood?
Blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) are measured by a simple blood test.
If you are measuring your triglyceride levels, you will be asked not to eat anything, and to drink only clean water, for about 12 hours before taking the blood sample.
What are the recommended levels of lipids in the blood?
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol in the blood. Even if your total cholesterol is below 200 mg / dl, you may still be at risk for heart disease if your individual lipid measurements are not within recommended levels.
Target values:
75-169 mg / dL for people 20 years and younger.
100-199 mg / dL for those 21 and older
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good cholesterol”
The higher the HDL level, the better.
Target value:
Greater than 40 mg / dl
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad cholesterol”
Target values:
Less than 70 mg / dL for those with heart disease or blood vessel disease and for other patients at very high risk of heart disease (those with metabolic syndrome)
Less than 100 mg / dL for high-risk patients (for example, some patients who have multiple risk factors for heart disease)
Less than 130 mg / dL for individuals who are at low risk for disease of the arteries that supply the heart.
Triglycerides
Target value:
Less than 150 mg / dl
