Topics
According to the National Health & Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 33.3% or about 7.6 million adults in Malaysia have high cholesterol level. The survey also showed that 1 in 2 adults was unaware that they had raised total cholesterol (high cholesterol) because this condition is usually asymptomatic.
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance that circulates in our blood. Cholesterol is an essential component in building cells and producing vitamins and hormones. Cholesterol is mainly produced in our liver, and we also get cholesterol from our diet.
High cholesterol is also known as hypercholesterolaemia or hyperlipidaemia. High levels of cholesterol can develop fatty deposits or plaque in our blood vessels.
These deposits grow over time, causing insufficient blood flow through our arteries. Occasionally, those deposits may break and form a clot that blocks blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Types of Cholesterol
Our body needs cholesterol to function, which travels through the blood via lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins that determine our cholesterol levels:
HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
- Also known as the “good” cholesterol.
- HDL carries cholesterol from cells back to the liver.
- This cholesterol will then be processed by the liver and flushed out from our body as a waste product.
- Higher levels of HDL are better because they help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- Also known as the “bad” cholesterol.
- LDL carries cholesterol to the cells via blood circulation.
- High levels of LDL cholesterol in our blood increase the risk of plaque build-up in artery walls (this process is called atherosclerosis), which leads to heart disease and stroke.
Defining Cholesterol Level
Our cholesterol levels can be determined through a lipid profile assessment via blood test. This is a screening tool that measures the levels of different types of fats (cholesterols and triglycerides) in our blood and detect abnormalities in those levels.
The parameters of the lipid profile include:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
| Parameter | Details |
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) |
Note: The lower the better for LDL level |
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) |
Note: The higher the better for HDL level |
| Triglycerides (TG) |
Note: The lower the better for triglycerides level |
| Total cholesterol (TC) |
Note: The lower the better for total cholesterol level |
Myths Surrounding Cholesterol
Let us address some of common myths or misconceptions about cholesterol.
- Myth: All cholesterol is bad for us.
Fact: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. The risk of developing stroke and heart disease increases if our LDL cholesterol level is high.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or what we know as the “good” cholesterol, delivers cholesterol to the liver, which will then be flushed out from our body as waste product. As compared to LDL, HDL cholesterol has the opposite effect. It lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease instead.
The ultimate goal is to raise the HDL level while we work towards lowering the LDL level.
- Myth: We experience symptoms when our cholesterol levels are raised.
Fact: Most of the time, an individual with high cholesterol shows no signs or symptoms. We may not know we have unhealthy cholesterol levels until it is too late. We need to check our cholesterol levels regularly, especially if the levels are not within the recommended range.
- Myth: Eating foods high in cholesterol will increase my cholesterol levels.
Fact: Although it sounds logical, eating foods high in cholesterol does not directly increase our cholesterol levels. Our body naturally produces the cholesterol that we need, especially in the liver, when we are fast asleep. However, eating foods high in cholesterol also increases the consumption of large amounts of saturated fats, contributing to an increase in cholesterol levels.
- Myth: It is fate! There is nothing we can do to change our cholesterol levels.
Fact: Although some cholesterol conditions run in the family, we can keep our cholesterol levels under control. Eating a healthy diet with good eating habits and getting plenty of exercise is one of the easiest ways to regulate our cholesterol levels.
Find out more about how to manage your cholesterol level.
Find Out More About Your Cholesterol Level Management at Gleneagles Hospitals
For health screening appointments, please contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. We offer a wide range of screening programmes and packages that are specifically designed and can be customised based on every individual’s needs.
You may also get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation or find out more about our Cardiology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
