THAT'S PHAT: CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Abstract

As a result of bad genetics or a direct consequence of poor eating and lifestyle habits, an individual may end up with an excess amount of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in their blood. High cholesterol is the root cause of several heart issues, including ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol consists of 5 components: Chylomicrons, Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Intermediate Density Lipoprotein (IDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Of these five lipoproteins, HDL is generally considered the "good cholesterol," implying that it is beneficial to one's health, and LDL is considered the "bad cholesterol," in that it is detrimental to one's health. Therefore, treatment options generally aim to increase the good cholesterol and decrease the bad cholesterol in one's blood. These treatments include medications such as statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, amongst others, as well as lifestyle choices such as eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibers and increasing daily exercise.