Dr Ovo Ogbinaka, a physician at Central Hospital, Ughelli, Delta, says high cholesterol in human body can lead to heart disease and even death if not treated.
Ogbinaka told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Tuesday in Benin that cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells in human body.
The physician says even though the human body needs cholesterol to continue to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help to digest foods and build healthy cells, high level of the waxy substance can increase the risk of heart disease which can lead to death.
He explained that people with high cholesterol do not experience any symptoms but fatty deposits in their blood vessels would make it difficult for enough blood to flow into their arteries.
He added that “high cholesterol level can be inherited but it often has to do with unhealthy lifestyle.
“The condition decreases blood flow into the brain, which can cause stroke.
“Cholesterol is carried through the blood attached to proteins which is called lipoprotein.
“The cause of high cholesterol level includes low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol transport of particles to the body) and high-density lipoprotein (picks up excess cholesterol).’’
The medical doctor said that the risk factors that may increase high cholesterol include: poor diet, obesity, large waist circumference, lack of exercise and smoking.
He also warned against consumption of junk foods and soft drinks, and non-use of cholesterol free cooking oil.
Ogbinaka advised the public to regularly check their level of cholesterol to avoid complications. (NAN)
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