Cholesterol Health

Cholesterol, as defined in Western medicine, constitutes a waxy, fat-like substance integral to cellular composition, and it plays a vital role in hormone synthesis and vitamin D production. The realm of lipid metabolism encompasses three key components: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often regarded as "good cholesterol," low-density lipoprotein (LDL), colloquially known as "bad cholesterol," and triglycerides. The establishment of lipid level parameters considers variables such as age, with accepted safe ranges as follows: total cholesterol ranging from 125 to 200 mg/dL, HDL levels surpassing 45 mg/dL, LDL levels beneath 100 mg/dL, and triglycerides maintained below 90 mg/dL. Although Western medicine identifies unfavorable lipid profiles as the primary precursors to cardiovascular incidents, a wealth of human research underscores the pivotal role of inflammation in predicting such events (Ridker et al., 2008, New England Journal of Medicine; Sesso et al., 2007, Circulation). Emerging studies highlight the intricate interplay between inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk, warranting a broader perspective on the multifaceted factors underlying cardiovascular events (Libby et al., 2019, Circulation Research).