HYPERLIPIDAEMIA AND HARDENING OF ARTERIES What is Hyperlipidaemia? Hyperlipidaemia means that there are too many fatty substances in your blood. Commonest of these are: 1. Cholesterol Of animal origin, cholesterol is a major structural component of body cells (e.g. brain cells, hormone, bile juice and vitamins etc.) 2. Triglycerides As natural fat, it can be of either animal (saturated fat) or plant origin (unsaturated fat). It provides nutrient and energy for your body, and any surplus is stored as body fat (e.g. under the skin) to be used as cold insulation and as energy reserve. Cholesterol in the blood can be further subdivided into high or low density cholesterol. High density cholesterol is thought to represent cholesterol debri being removed from the arteries and a high level is considered beneficial, in contrast to low density cholesterol where a high level is considered harmful.
The Harmful Effects of Having Too Much Cholesterol and Triglycerides in the Blood Excess low density cholesterol and triglycerides (particularly the saturated type of animal origin) are deposited in the wall of arteries, resulting in arterial narrowing and hardening (arthersclerosis) without any outward symptoms or signs for years. Symptoms will eventually appear when the clogged arteries supplying vital organs such as the brain and the heart, because of reduced blood flow, are no longer capable of meeting the organs oxygen and nutrient demands. Narrowing of the arteries serving the heart muscles (Coronary Heart Disease) can cause chest pain on exertion (Angina), and blockage of the same can lead to a heart attack. Blockage or bleeding of arteries in the brain can lead to a stroke. Excess cholesterol and triglycerides can also cause damage to other body organs, such as inflammation of the pancreas and fatty degeneration of the liver.
Dietary Guidelines: As a rule, avoid ALL kinds of fatty food. Choose food low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Trim-off all visible fat from the meat before cooking. Avoid frying or roasting in fat, use other methods of cooking such as baking, boiling, grilling and stewing. Tip off the extra fat in the soup and gravies before serving. Food to Avoid Suitable Food Eggs Whole eggs, egg yolks Egg whites Milk Whole milk and its products e.g. butter, cream, cheese, icecream, yoghurt, condensed milk yoghurt, soya milk Low fat milk, skimmed milk and its products e.g. non-fat Organ Meats Brains, liver, pate, kidney, sweetbread -- Seafood Prawns, squid, fish roe, caviar, fish fingers, canned fish in oil, oyster and crab Fresh fish, canned fish in water Meat Fatty meats bacon, ham, sausages, salami, canned meats, Rabbit, veal (without fat), lean cuts of beef, lamb, pork (all in pressed meats, meat pastes, hamburger mince moderation) Poultry Duck, goose, skin of chicken and turkey Chicken, turkey (lean and without skin) Bakery Pies, pastries, cakes, doughnuts, butter cookies Wholewheat bread, crispbreads, water-biscuits, homemade items (pies, etc) if proper ingredients Fast Food (Usually high in cholesterol & saturated fat) Fried chicken, fried fish and chips, dim sums, spring rolls, hot -- Nuts Fruit and vegetables Miscellaneous Oils and fats dogs, pizzas, fried rice etc. Cashews, macadamia, coconut, Brazil nuts, peanuts, peanut butter Soft drink and beer (high in calorie) Gravies, potato crisps, caramel, chocolate, fudge, coffee whitener, toasted breakfast cereals (especially with coconut) Saturated fats lard, dripping, cooking (hard) margarine, coconut and palm oils, mayonnaise -- Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and seeds (in moderation only because of their high fat content) All types especially those with high fibre content e.g. beans, peas, corn, grains, (rice, wheat, rye) Natural cereals, herbs, spices, soya bean curd, Vegemite, tea, coffee, alcohol (small amounts), diet soft drinks, pickles Polyunsaturated margarine and salad dressings, vegetable oils such as corn, soy bean, sunflower, safflower, olive oil, cottonseed, (all in moderation)
The Cause of Hyperlipidaemia Cholesterol originates only from animal food, but can also be synthesized in your body (e.g. liver). Triglycerides originate from both animal food (saturated fat) and plant food (unsaturated fat). There is no storage of cholesterol within the body, but surplus triglycerides (together with those converted from surplus carbohydrates consumed as starchy and sugary food) are stored as body fat. Any of the following factors may upset your body metabolism, leading to an excessive build up of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in your blood: Ingestion of excessive animal food rich in cholesterol Ingestion of excessive fatty food of either animal or plant origin Ingestion of excessive carbohydrates in the form of sugary or starchy food Obesity (especially if 30% above desirable body weight) Heredity or genetic factor Lack of exercise Stress Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Other illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction
How to Lower the Level of Cholesterol And Triglycerides in Your Blood 1. Control your body weight, cut down your calorie intake (fatty and sugary food). This is particularly effective in lowering blood triglyceride level. 2. Alter your eating habits, lower your consumption of food high in cholesterol and saturated fat. (see dietary guidelines on page 4 and page 5) 3. Change your lifestyle, stop smoking, drink less alcohol, avoid overworking or excessive stress, learn to relax, take regular exercise (e.g. 30 minutes 3 times per week) suitable for your age and general body fitness. Exercise can be any physical activity that you enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, gardening or dancing. If you are over age 40 for men and age over 50 for women, if you have not exercised for a long time, or if you have other health problems, consult your doctor first. 4. Oral medication is available for those with very high cholesterol/triglyceride level or those with high risk of coronary heart disease.