Lowering LDL-Cholestrol

Lipids or fats have the density of 0.9g, and are transfered as lipoproteins through the plasma.  A lipoprotein has a lipid core packed inside with triglyceride (TG) and cholestrol esters (CE), and surrounded by free chloestrol, phospholipids, and apolipoprotein (apo). There are about 17 different apoproteins that interact with receptors and function as co-factors for specific enzymes.  The primary lipoprotein classifications include chylomicron, VLDL, LDL, and HDL.  Low density lipoprotein (LDL) are mostly composed of lipids and functions as the primary carrier of cholestrol in the bloodstream.  Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is linked to coronary heart disease and other chronic diseases.  Today, there are numerous pharmological, dietary, and exercise treatments for LDL-cholestrol.

In the Whitehall II study, the multifaceted approach to lowering LDL-cholesterol among middle-aged British civil servants was assessed.  During the study, LDL-cholesterol dropped from 4.38 to 3.52 mmol/l and the use of lipid-lowering drugs increased from 0.8% to 10.8%.  The greatest LDL decline was found among those taking lipid-lowering medication, as compared with those that were untreated by pharmaceutical medications.  With diet modification, the ratio of white to red meat consumption and polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids intake showed a slight decline of LDL by 0.07mmol/l.  An increase in physical activity also showed an impact on lowering LDL by 0.10mmol/l.  According to the findings, changes in diet and physical activity produced only moderate results compared with a medication regimen among high-risk individuals.

The use of multifaceted intervention strategies of diet, physical activity, and pharmacology treatment are important for reducing LDL-cholesterol and lowering coronary heart disease.    

References 

Bouilloni, K; Singh-Manoux, A; Jokela, M; Shipley, M; Batty, D; Brunner, E; Sabia, S; Tabak, A; Akbaraity, T; Ferrie, J; Kiramaki, M. Decline in low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration: lipid lowering drugs, diet, or physical activity. (2011). BMJ Journal: 97: 923-930.