What is the role of Cholesterol in CHD?
An elevated cholesterol level definitely increases the risk of developing CHD. A person with a cholesterol level greater than 259 is three times more likely to develop CHD than one with a level of 200. People with high levels of HDL cholesterol in proportion to LDL cholesterol are less likely to develop CHD than are those with low HDL cholesterol. High concentrations of HDL seem to have a protective effect against the development of CHD. Experts believe that HDL cholesterol does not become incorporated into the fatty plaques that develop in the lining of the artery wall (as does LDL cholesterol). Even though you show no signs of heart disease today doesn’t mean you won’t develop any in the future. Now is the time for prevention – otherwise, a high cholesterol level, along with other risk factors, can lead to problems in the future. If you already have heart disease you should pay even more attention to your cholesterol levels because you have a greater risk of experiencing a heart atta
