What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty molecule, produced by your body to do the following:
Make cell membranes
Conduct the heart impulse through your heart
Precursor for sex hormones
For skin and new regrowth
Is used in inflammation

The types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol or lipids (fats) are transported around the body on protein molecules called Lipoproteins. An increased in blood cholesterol (particularly LDL and triglyerides) has been associated with a greater risk of heart disease. In Australia, Lipid lowering drugs are currently the highest expenditure of all drugs. Modifying cholesterol does at times need medicating, however lifestyle and diet can play a dramatic role keeping it low.
HDL – high density lipoproteins are cardioprotective (protect your heart) and focus can be on raising these
LDL – low density lipoproteins are have a higher fat:protein ratio and are considered bad cholesterol
Triglyceride – fat ingested from diet, is considered to be bad cholesterol and is often elevated in diabetics.
(There are other forms of cholesterol, however the 3 mentioned above are the most commonly measured in blood tests.)

National Heart Foundation (2001) recommends:

LDL
< 4.0 mmols/L in high risk patients
< 2.5 mmols/L in low risk patients
HDL
> 1.0 mmols/L all people
> 1.0 mmols/L all people
Triglycerides
< 2.0 mmols/L all people
< 2.0mmols/L all people
Total Cholesterol
< 6.0 mmols/L in low risk patients
< 4.0 mmols/L in high risk patients

Lowering Cholesterol
Exercise: Exercising should be part of your daily routine -Walking or low impact exercise min. 3-5 times/week will increase HDL significantly
keep your weight in normal ranges
Managed your stress levels or see someone that can help
Talk to someone about controlling anxiety levels