The Truth about ‘Good’ Cholesterol Exposed
Over the years we’ve been told by doctors that “good” cholesterol levels are great for our overall health. Cholesterol is divided into two parts, the good and bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while the bad cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The wide spread belief before now has been that high-density lipoprotein level is good for our health, but this generally accepted idea has come under questioning, with some studies linking too much good cholesterol to be actually bad in the end. It was found out that people consuming too much of this good cholesterol are faced with a high risk of mortality.
The medical community has often associated bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein to blockage of the arteries, while higher levels of high-density lipoprotein to be desirable and protect the human body against stroke and heart disease. However, a recent research (1) has linked high good cholesterol levels to raise the risk of early death. According to the research, it was stated that people with excessive levels of good cholesterol in their blood are more prone to premature death with 106 percent higher chance of dying compared to those with an average level of high-density lipoprotein. However, this statistic was for men, while women with high level of HDL have a 68 percent higher chance of dying prematurely against those with a mean level of high-density lipoprotein in their blood. The study also showed that people with medium levels of high-density lipoprotein have the lowest mortality rate.
People with high HDL levels will need to carry out more tests to identify the degree of risk they may be up against for heart disease and furred-up arteries. Despite the previously accepted theory, it now seems that for some individuals, excessive high-density lipoprotein levels, are far from being beneficial to their health, actually giving no added health advantage to them rather, it may even be detrimental. The liver produces most of the cholesterol primarily from saturated fats. Low-Density Lipoprotein takes cholesterol from the liver to cells where it is needed for processes such as for the production of hormones and strengthening of the cell walls. While in its own case, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol takes excess cholesterol from the cells back to the liver to be removed as bile from the body or recycled for other use.
Consuming more HDL cholesterol can be beneficial to our health; however, its potency tends to reduce as it appears to get to the maximum level. When it gets to this level, HDL will tend to act more like the bad cholesterol increasing the risk of stroke as well as heart disease. Besides heart related diseases, the adverse effects of high HDL cholesterol level also include tissue damage, arthritis, dangerous to people with kidney dialysis, aggravating inflammation and infuriates diabetes.
This is more an eye opener, though more studies and researches are needed to sustain the study, but till then, keep it safe and maintain an average level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
It’s never too late, before addressing any issue related to your smile, gums, teeth, and other oral or in general health issues, consult with Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai. A dental prophylaxis or cleaning as previously mentioned including our check-up every three to four months will allow Dr. Edderai to keep a watchful eye on your oral health and prevent cavities or minor problem before they start. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, visit my FAQ page at http://www.northmiamibeachdentist.com/faqs/.
Remember the best advice from your Dentist “Unaddressed issues will never get resolved by themselves”.
Copyright DR. JEAN-JACQUES EDDERAI
(1) Washington University School of Medicine 2016