Introduction

Cholesterol is used in many metabolic processes.  It is used to form cell membranes, sex hormones, steroids, bile and vitamin D (amongst other things).  While cholesterol is an important part of normal biological processes, elevated cholesterol represents a major risk factor for a range of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases including but not limited to:

• STEMI (S-T segment elevation myocardial infarction) and Non-STEMI
• Stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes.

The relationship between cardiovascular disease and cholesterol is well established.  The greater the level of cholesterol, the greater the risk.  CVD is one of the most common causes of death in the western world and over 50% of CVD in western countries is related to elevated cholesterol levels.  To prevent individual and population risks, many drugs have been developed to reduce sustained elevated cholesterol levels to reduce CVD risk.

Types of cholesterol.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are water insoluble and need to be transported in plasma within lipoproteins.  These lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissues via VLDL and LDL or transport excess cholesterol from the peripheral tissues back to the liver via the transporter HDL.

Understanding the roles and impacts of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides is critical for managing and preventing cardiovascular diseases. By regulating these lipids through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications, healthcare professionals can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall cardiovascular health.