HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND STROKE

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is a type of fat our bodies produce, however we also absorb it when we eat animal food products such as meat and dairy. Our arteries carry blood through our body and too much cholesterol in the blood can cause a build up of fat in the walls of the arteries. This build up narrows or blockes the arteries which, in turn, can stop the flow of blood or causes blood clots.

There are 2 types of cholesterol which make up our total cholesterol. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the 'bad' cholesterol that buid up on the artery walls. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is the 'good' cholesterol that takes cholesterol from the cells in our body to the liver where it is broken down and removed safely from our body.

What causes high cholesterol? The main cause of high cholesterol is a diet high in saturates fats (fat from animal foods). High cholesterol may also be hereditary.

The link between high cholesterol and stroke. Blood is carried to the brain through a series of large arteries in the neck and then by smaller arteries inside the head. Stroke is usually caused by a sudden blockage to the arteries carrying blood to parts of the brain. 

Stroke can cause damage to the brain which can then lead to death or long term disability. When there is an excess of cholesterol in the artery walls, arteries can narrow or a  complete blockage can occur in the artery. This disease in the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. At narrow points in the arteries, blood clots can form and either block the arteries or break off, travelling in the blood to lodge in smaller arteries. A stroke caused by the process of a clot breaking off and travelling in the blood to block smaller arteries is called an embolic stroke.

While high cholesterol is commonly associated with blockage in the arteries in the heart causing a heart attack, high cholesterol can also narrow the brain arteries and lead to a stroke. There is evidence that a person can lower their risk of stroke by lowering their cholesterol.

YOU CAN CONTROL CHOLESTEROL WITH A COMBINATION OF DIET, EXERCISE AND MEDICATION:

- Maintain a healthy diet which is low in animal fats and high in fruit and vegetables. Choose vegetable oils and spreads like margarine or olive oil. Eat fish regularly. Limit full fat diary products, fatty meats, egg yolks.

- Be physically active - at least 30 min of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

- Don't  smoke.

- Maintain a healthy weight.

- Limit alcohol intake - one or two glasses per day.

- Keep your blood prressure low with a low salt  diet, physical activity and, if required, medication.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL IS A RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE. HOWEVER IT IS ONE OF MANY RISK FACTORS INCLUDING DIABETES, IRREGULAR HEART BEAT AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES.

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