12/08/2026
CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in every cell of the body. It is essential for making hormones, vitamin D, bile acids (which help digest fats), and maintaining healthy cell membranes.
Your body makes most of the cholesterol it needs in the liver, while the rest comes from food.
TYPES OF CHOLESTEROL
1)LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Also known as Bad cholesterol, Carries cholesterol to the arteries.
High levels can lead to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
LDL cholesterol range : 2.0mmol/L - 3.6mmol/L
2) HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Also known as Good cholesterol, removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver.Higher HDL levels help protect the heart.
HDL cholesterol range: 0.9mmol/L - 2.9mmol/L.
3) Triglycerides: A type of fat stored in the body for energy. High levels increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL.
Triglycerides: 0.1mmol/L - 1.7 mmol/L
4) Total Cholesterol: The combined amount of LDL, HDL, and part of the triglycerides.
Total cholesterol: 3.3mmol/L - 5.3mmol/L
CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL
1.Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats
2. Obesity or being overweight
3. Physical inactivity
4. Smoking
5. Excessive alcohol intake
6. Diabetes
7. High blood pressure
8. Kidney disease
9. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
10. Family history (genetic high cholesterol)
11. Increasing age
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL
1.Chest pain (angina)
2. Heart attack
3. Stroke
4. Pain in the legs when walking
5. Shortness of breath
6. Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
7. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
8. Sudden loss of vision
9. Severe pain in leg
10. Leg Coldness
11. Leg Discoloration
LABORATORY DETECTION OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL
The best way to detect cholesterol is through a “blood lipid profile test" preferably done on an empty stomach.
DISEASES CAUSED BY HIGH LDL CHOLESTEROL
1)Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
2) Heart attack: Occurs when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, cutting off blood supply to part of the heart muscle.
3) Stroke: Happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked by a clot or narrowed artery, or when a blood vessel in the brain is damaged.
4) Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing of arteries in the legs. Causing leg pain, cold feet and slow-healing wounds.
5) Carotid artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
6) Chronic kidney disease: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys, contributing to kidney damage over time.
7) High blood pressure (hypertension): Hardened, narrowed arteries make it more difficult for blood to flow, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
8) Aortic aneurysm: Weakening and bulging of the body's largest artery, which can rupture if left untreated.
PREVENTION
1.Eat a heart-healthy diet.
2. Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Limit alcohol intake.
6. Control diabetes and high blood pressure.
7. Have your cholesterol checked regularly.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
1.Healthy eating
2. Regular exercise
3. Weight loss if overweight
4. Smoking cessation
5. Limiting alcohol
TREATMENT
1.Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin and Simvastatin)
2. Fibrates (mainly for high triglycerides)
3. Omega-3 fatty acid preparations.
FOODS TO AVOID
1.Fried foods
2. Fatty red meat
3. Processed meats (sausages, bacon)
4. Chicken skin
5. Butter
6. Full-fat milk and cheese
7. Cream
8, Ice cream
9. Palm oil in large amounts
10. Coconut oil in large amounts
11. Cakes, pastries, and doughnuts
12. Biscuits and cookies
13. Fast foods
14. Instant noodles (frequent intake)
15. Sugary drinks
16. Excess sugar and sweets
NIGERIAN FOODS TO LIMIT
1.Deep-fried puff-puff
2. Akara fried in excessive oil
3. Fried yam
4. Fried plantain
5. Suya with excessive visible fat
6. Fatty beef
7. Goat skin (ponmo) in large quantities
8. Organ meats (liver, kidney, intestine) in large amounts
BEST FOODS TO EAT
1.High-fibre foods Such as Oats, Whole wheat, Brown rice, Millet, Guinea corn, Beans, Lentils.
2. Fruits such as Apples, Oranges, Avocados, Pears, Berries, Berries, Watermelon, Pawpaw (papaya).
3. Vegetables such as Spinach, Ugu (fluted pumpkin), Okro, Garden eggs, Cabbage, Carrots, Tomatoes, Broccoli.
4. Healthy proteins such as Fish (especially salmon, sardines, mackerel), Skinless chicken, Turkey, Beans, Soybeans, Tofu.
5. Healthy fats such as Olive oil, Groundnuts (in moderation), Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews (moderation), Avocado.
6. Low-fat dairy such as Skimmed milk, Low-fat yogurt
EXAMPLE OF A HEART-HEALTHY NIGERIAN MEAL PLAN.
1.Breakfast: Oatmeal with low-fat milk and a banana.
2. Lunch: Brown rice with beans and grilled fish, served with vegetables.
3. Dinner: Boiled yam with vegetable soup made with minimal oil and skinless chicken or fish.
4. Snacks: Fruit, unsalted groundnuts (small handful), or low-fat yogurt.