Dr. Ameya Udyavar, MD (Medicine), DM, DNB (Cardiology).

Dr. Ameya Udyavar is a Consultant Cardiologist attached to Hinduja Hospital. He specializes in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Interventional Cardiology and Device implantations. He resides in Borivali and has his private clinic in Lancelot building, Borivali.

What are the types of Fats in our body?

The human body contains different types of fats or lipids. Lipids are important chemicals present in the body and needed for various cellular functions. The fats in our body are of different types. They can simply be divided in Bad and Good fats.

Which are the Bad fats/ lipids? How do they harm us?

The Bad fats get deposited in our arteries thereby causing blocks. These blocks decrease the blood supply of the organs causing various serious illnesses like heart attacks (decrease blood supply to the brain), paralytic strokes (decrease blood supply to the brain), or gangrene of the limbs (decrease blood supply to the limbs). Thus it is important to keep our Bad cholesterol below the normal range. There are 2 types of Bad Cholesterol in our body: LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Higher levels of Bad Cholesterol can be harmful in the long run.

Which are the Good fats/ lipids? Do they harm us?

The Good Cholesterol is protective and higher levels are better. The Good Cholesterol in our body is HDL Cholesterol.

How do we know our fat/lipid level?

One needs to do a Complete lipid profile (blood test) after 12 hours of fasting.

What should be your LDL (Bad) Cholesterol level?

Lo Behold… You are just ready to make heads turn!

If one suffers from any of the below mentioned illnesses, then the LDL Cholesterol needs to be below 100 mg/dl. These disorders are

1. Diabetes
2. Heart attacks
3. Blocks in your coronary artery causing angina (chest pain)
4. Undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery
5. Renal failure
6. Blocks in any of your arteries: carotid artery or peripheral arteries
7. dilatation of your aorta.

Does diet and exercise help to reduce Bad Cholesterol?

Yes, they do. Brisk walking every day for 30-45 minutes can help reduce your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol. Avoiding foods rich in fats like fried food, cakes, sweets can also help reduce the bad cholesterol.

Are there medicines which reduce Bad Cholesterol and prevent heart attacks?

Statins are called the wonder drugs which reduce LDL cholesterol. These drugs are extremely safe and also decrease triglyceride levels and increase the good cholesterol! They have been proven to prevent heart attacks and in some cases reduce the blocks! These drugs need to be taken on a daily basis and need to be continued lifelong.