Looking at a person’s cholesterol has become a major part of determining health problems, most notably heart disease. Ask anyone who has had high cholesterol and heart problems and he/she would be able to tell you how important it is that you know your level and what to do about it.
Basically, in order to prevent having a life full of heart disease and other problems, you will want to do at least three things on a regular basis. You will definitely want to eat foods that are heart-healthy. In addition to eating healthy, you will also want to get regular exercise and, finally, you will want to stop smoking (if you already do so) and avoid tobacco smoke altogether.
There are a few ways to look at a person’s cholesterol, what of which being the cholesterol ratio. Some physicians prefer actual cholesterol numbers as opposed to a cholesterol ratio because it is easier to determine the appropriate treatment methods using those numbers. However, some physicians prefer to use the cholesterol ratio.
What Exactly Is A Cholesterol Ratio?
A cholesterol ratio is the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol in place of the total blood cholesterol. By dividing the HDL cholesterol into the total cholesterol, you will come up with your desired ratio.
Example: if a person has a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol of 50 mg/dL, then the cholesterol ratio is 4:1. Ideally, you will want to keep this ratio below 5:1. The best cholesterol ratio that you would want is 3.5:1. Even if you cannot reach that optimum level, do your best to keep it as close as possible to that number.
No matter what, the most important thing for you to do is lead as healthy a life as you possibly can. Even if you cannot reach the optimum cholesterol levels and ratios right away, don’t panic or give up. Plenty of hard work and determination, along with the willingness to try and stay healthy, you can bring down your cholesterol ratio and make your heart less at risk for disease.
The cholesterol ratio is not used by every physician, as some believe looking at actual numbers will help them more when determining which route to take when it comes to treatment. Either way, you may want to get a ratio as well just so you can have all the information possible on your health. It may end up helping you more in the long run.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Cholesterol Medications Help In Different Ways
When the doctor has determined that diet and exercise are not going to help you achieve optimal cholesterol levels, there are prescription cholesterol medications that are showing success in reducing the bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels while helping to increase the good cholesterol level. Different drugs will help in different manners, and which one is right for you should be determined through consultation between you and your doctor.
Some of the most common and widely prescribed cholesterol medications, which help keep the bad cholesterol moving through the blood stream include Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor, although there are others on the market, these are the most widely prescribed. These cholesterol medications work to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while showing a slight increase in good cholesterol level. Statins essentially stop the cholesterol from stopping while in the blood stream and helping them be flushed through before they can clot and cause problems.
Another group of beneficial cholesterol medications to decrease LDL and triglycerides in the blood while increasing good cholesterol are absorption inhibitors. Drugs commonly prescribed include Vytorin and Zetia. This class of drugs inhibits cholesterol from being absorbed into the body from the blood stream, effectively eliminating cholesterol before it has a chance to become a part of the blood stream.
Sources Of Cholesterol May Prompt Medicine Choice
Cholesterol essentially has two sources, one the food being consumed and the other genetics. It is now known that high cholesterol levels can be inherited and it is mainly that form of cholesterol that a change in diet and exercise may not help. In some cases cholesterol medications will be needed to supplement the effects of diet and exercise to help fight cholesterol from both sources.
When a person is determined to have high cholesterol, they will be encouraged to eliminated other risk factors for heart disease, such as quitting smoking, regular exercise and eating a heart healthy diet. A combination of lifestyle change and cholesterol medications can bring a persons levels into a healthy range. Working with your doctor can determine the right drug and right dosage for each individual.
A sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate a cholesterol problem as even if you have a bad cholesterol level that is considered borderline, a low good cholesterol level can cause the bad cholesterol level to be worse as well as the triglyceride level joining it to create havoc on the coronary system. With the available cholesterol medications and the knowledge of how exercise can help maintain healthy levels, there are several options to meal maintain a healthy heart.
Some of the most common and widely prescribed cholesterol medications, which help keep the bad cholesterol moving through the blood stream include Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor, although there are others on the market, these are the most widely prescribed. These cholesterol medications work to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while showing a slight increase in good cholesterol level. Statins essentially stop the cholesterol from stopping while in the blood stream and helping them be flushed through before they can clot and cause problems.
Another group of beneficial cholesterol medications to decrease LDL and triglycerides in the blood while increasing good cholesterol are absorption inhibitors. Drugs commonly prescribed include Vytorin and Zetia. This class of drugs inhibits cholesterol from being absorbed into the body from the blood stream, effectively eliminating cholesterol before it has a chance to become a part of the blood stream.
Sources Of Cholesterol May Prompt Medicine Choice
Cholesterol essentially has two sources, one the food being consumed and the other genetics. It is now known that high cholesterol levels can be inherited and it is mainly that form of cholesterol that a change in diet and exercise may not help. In some cases cholesterol medications will be needed to supplement the effects of diet and exercise to help fight cholesterol from both sources.
When a person is determined to have high cholesterol, they will be encouraged to eliminated other risk factors for heart disease, such as quitting smoking, regular exercise and eating a heart healthy diet. A combination of lifestyle change and cholesterol medications can bring a persons levels into a healthy range. Working with your doctor can determine the right drug and right dosage for each individual.
A sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate a cholesterol problem as even if you have a bad cholesterol level that is considered borderline, a low good cholesterol level can cause the bad cholesterol level to be worse as well as the triglyceride level joining it to create havoc on the coronary system. With the available cholesterol medications and the knowledge of how exercise can help maintain healthy levels, there are several options to meal maintain a healthy heart.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Using Lipitor Cholesterol Medication
One of the leading causes of death is heart disease. Heart disease can be caused by high levels of cholesterol within a person’s blood stream. This adherence of LDL cholesterol to the inner walls of the arteries begins to build up and blocks the flow of blood to vital organs. Specifically, this process can block the flow of blood through the coronary arteries to the heart which in turn can cause heart disease or eventually heart attacks.
As a preventative measure an examining doctor may order blood tests to determine cholesterol levels. This laboratory procedure on a patient's blood will reveal the levels of cholesterol within the bloodstream. The two types of cholesterol that are found in a person's blood is LDL or bad cholesterol and HDL which is good cholesterol.
If a person is found to have high LDL cholesterol levels then the doctor will prescribe a treatment program. Often a high cholesterol treatment program will include the prescribing of a low-fat diet, cardiovascular exercise program and medication.
One of those cholesterol medications is Lipitor. Before using Lipitor cholesterol medication it is important to know what Lipitor is and what are the directions for usage.
Lipitor
Lipitor cholesterol medication is a prescription drug that restricts the production of cholesterol within the body. It does this by acting on the liver which is the cholesterol producing organ in the human body. The type of cholesterol that Lipitor cholesterol medication blocks is the LDL or bad cholesterol.
As the Lipitor cholesterol medication minimizes the production of LDL cholesterol, this action helps to minimize heart disease, strokes and blockage of the coronary arteries. Lipitor cholesterol medication has also been shown to be effective against type 2 diabetes.
In order for Lipitor cholesterol medication to be the most effective it is important to follow the physician’s advice. Generally, the physician’s advice is a full implementation of a cholesterol treatment program. That full cholesterol treatment program may include the advice of the physician to be involved with a cardiovascular exercise program.
Directions For Use
As with all medications it is important to follow the prescription guidelines. The use of Lipitor cholesterol medication is no exception. Therefore, the individual who is being treated for high cholesterol should avoid eating fatty foods. In addition, when taking Lipitor cholesterol medication it is imperative that the patient does not drink alcohol. This is because Lipitor works in conjunction with the liver and the liver is directly affected by the ingestion of alcohol. A combination of Lipitor cholesterol medication and the drinking of alcohol may cause damage to the liver
Finally the normal dosage of Lipitor cholesterol medication is one pill daily and should be swallowed with a full glass of water. In addition, Lipitor cholesterol medication can be taken with a meal or alone without the eating of food.
As a preventative measure an examining doctor may order blood tests to determine cholesterol levels. This laboratory procedure on a patient's blood will reveal the levels of cholesterol within the bloodstream. The two types of cholesterol that are found in a person's blood is LDL or bad cholesterol and HDL which is good cholesterol.
If a person is found to have high LDL cholesterol levels then the doctor will prescribe a treatment program. Often a high cholesterol treatment program will include the prescribing of a low-fat diet, cardiovascular exercise program and medication.
One of those cholesterol medications is Lipitor. Before using Lipitor cholesterol medication it is important to know what Lipitor is and what are the directions for usage.
Lipitor
Lipitor cholesterol medication is a prescription drug that restricts the production of cholesterol within the body. It does this by acting on the liver which is the cholesterol producing organ in the human body. The type of cholesterol that Lipitor cholesterol medication blocks is the LDL or bad cholesterol.
As the Lipitor cholesterol medication minimizes the production of LDL cholesterol, this action helps to minimize heart disease, strokes and blockage of the coronary arteries. Lipitor cholesterol medication has also been shown to be effective against type 2 diabetes.
In order for Lipitor cholesterol medication to be the most effective it is important to follow the physician’s advice. Generally, the physician’s advice is a full implementation of a cholesterol treatment program. That full cholesterol treatment program may include the advice of the physician to be involved with a cardiovascular exercise program.
Directions For Use
As with all medications it is important to follow the prescription guidelines. The use of Lipitor cholesterol medication is no exception. Therefore, the individual who is being treated for high cholesterol should avoid eating fatty foods. In addition, when taking Lipitor cholesterol medication it is imperative that the patient does not drink alcohol. This is because Lipitor works in conjunction with the liver and the liver is directly affected by the ingestion of alcohol. A combination of Lipitor cholesterol medication and the drinking of alcohol may cause damage to the liver
Finally the normal dosage of Lipitor cholesterol medication is one pill daily and should be swallowed with a full glass of water. In addition, Lipitor cholesterol medication can be taken with a meal or alone without the eating of food.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Normal Cholesterol Levels Are Necessary To Reduce Health Risks
Health risks for heart disease and stroke are greatly increased when cholesterol levels are not maintained within the recommended normal range. High cholesterol levels over time can lead to the thickening and stiffening of arteries from plaque buildup hindering or blocking blood flow to major organs causing life-threatening illness. Along with high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease having consistently high cholesterol levels increase the risks of serious illnesses that much more.
What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
The normal level of total cholesterol is considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), while anything 240 or higher is considered high.
The normal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl. LDL or high-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol is considered too high when it is measured at 160 mg/dl or higher.
The normal level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dl. HDL or high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol levels increase risk for heart disease when they fall to 40 mg/dl or less.
Another type of cholesterol that is tested is triglycerides. The normal level of triglycerides is 150 mg/dl or less. Any reading of 200 mg/dl or higher is considered high.
Adjusting Cholesterol Levels To Normal
The first step in reducing overall cholesterol levels to normal is diet and exercise. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat and cholesterol can help. Regular and frequent exercise can also help. If you smoke, stop and while helping to control your cholesterol you will improve your overall health too.
Even after adopting these lifestyle changes you may not bring your cholesterol test results into a normal range. Your doctor may decide that taking one of the many cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins might work for you. These drugs may have mild side effects that disappear with continued use. Normal cholesterol levels can be achieved quickly with the use of these drugs.
Other natural or non-drug treatments are available. Holistic approaches to health care can bring positive results with fewer side effects. Your doctor may not have much information about these methods so you may have to do the research yourself. Go to a respected health food store or search the Internet to find natural ways to achieve normal cholesterol levels. Just be very careful not to purchase expensive and unproven dietary supplements that claim to cure high cholesterol. They may contain ingredients that actually do more harm than good.
What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
The normal level of total cholesterol is considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), while anything 240 or higher is considered high.
The normal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl. LDL or high-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol is considered too high when it is measured at 160 mg/dl or higher.
The normal level of HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dl. HDL or high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol levels increase risk for heart disease when they fall to 40 mg/dl or less.
Another type of cholesterol that is tested is triglycerides. The normal level of triglycerides is 150 mg/dl or less. Any reading of 200 mg/dl or higher is considered high.
Adjusting Cholesterol Levels To Normal
The first step in reducing overall cholesterol levels to normal is diet and exercise. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat and cholesterol can help. Regular and frequent exercise can also help. If you smoke, stop and while helping to control your cholesterol you will improve your overall health too.
Even after adopting these lifestyle changes you may not bring your cholesterol test results into a normal range. Your doctor may decide that taking one of the many cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins might work for you. These drugs may have mild side effects that disappear with continued use. Normal cholesterol levels can be achieved quickly with the use of these drugs.
Other natural or non-drug treatments are available. Holistic approaches to health care can bring positive results with fewer side effects. Your doctor may not have much information about these methods so you may have to do the research yourself. Go to a respected health food store or search the Internet to find natural ways to achieve normal cholesterol levels. Just be very careful not to purchase expensive and unproven dietary supplements that claim to cure high cholesterol. They may contain ingredients that actually do more harm than good.
Low Cholesterol Diet Tips
If your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol and that you need to switch to a low cholesterol diet you are likely thinking that your entire culinary life is going to change. However, you still have lots of options open to you with a low cholesterol diet and you can still have flavor in your diet. Even though your diet is low in fat you can use smart meal planning and some creative ideas you can have a meal that is high in flavor. In addition, you can have fun exploring different way to eat hearth healthy and creating a low cholesterol diet menu.
Although this doesn’t mean you won’t have to make changes. A low cholesterol diet will require you to make some major changes and the plan is not favorable to eating lunch or dinner from a paper sack. But when it comes to preparing meals with items naturally low in cholesterol you can still have a fantastic and enjoyable meal. There is no reason to think that a low cholesterol diet means bland food and nothing good to eat.
What To Eat
You will have to focus more on low-fat foods with a low cholesterol diet which means you will have to shift your eating and buying habits some. You will have to find healthier options to the whole milk, straight butter and sour cream. Although for foods such as these there are low cholesterol alternatives that are rather tasteful.
Consider foods that are high in fiber since these are natural cholesterol fighters. You can add flavor to any mean with whole grain wheat, whole grain rice, bran and other similar foods. At the same time you will be reducing your bad cholesterol levels that can affect your body.
Any low cholesterol diet welcomes fresh vegetables and fruits. Although you should use other seasonings beside butter. Some great choices are pepper, paprika and garlic. You should not use salt in abundance and probably not at all. Go with a low-fat alternative if you must have butter.
A lot of red meats in your diet can also cause high cholesterol. So consider only eating red meat for special occasions and instead make most of your menu foods with chicken, turkey, fish or white meat pork. The less fat in the meats then the less likely they will have cholesterol with them.
You will not longer be able to deep fry with oil, but you can still find options with different oils. You can use olive oil while cooking which an excellent product to help the heart. When it comes to oils it is best to talk with your doctor or nutritionist for suggestions.
Although this doesn’t mean you won’t have to make changes. A low cholesterol diet will require you to make some major changes and the plan is not favorable to eating lunch or dinner from a paper sack. But when it comes to preparing meals with items naturally low in cholesterol you can still have a fantastic and enjoyable meal. There is no reason to think that a low cholesterol diet means bland food and nothing good to eat.
What To Eat
You will have to focus more on low-fat foods with a low cholesterol diet which means you will have to shift your eating and buying habits some. You will have to find healthier options to the whole milk, straight butter and sour cream. Although for foods such as these there are low cholesterol alternatives that are rather tasteful.
Consider foods that are high in fiber since these are natural cholesterol fighters. You can add flavor to any mean with whole grain wheat, whole grain rice, bran and other similar foods. At the same time you will be reducing your bad cholesterol levels that can affect your body.
Any low cholesterol diet welcomes fresh vegetables and fruits. Although you should use other seasonings beside butter. Some great choices are pepper, paprika and garlic. You should not use salt in abundance and probably not at all. Go with a low-fat alternative if you must have butter.
A lot of red meats in your diet can also cause high cholesterol. So consider only eating red meat for special occasions and instead make most of your menu foods with chicken, turkey, fish or white meat pork. The less fat in the meats then the less likely they will have cholesterol with them.
You will not longer be able to deep fry with oil, but you can still find options with different oils. You can use olive oil while cooking which an excellent product to help the heart. When it comes to oils it is best to talk with your doctor or nutritionist for suggestions.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Normal Cholesterol Levels Do Not Vary By Person
The topic of cholesterol can be confusing to many people and misinformation surrounding the cause and perception of high cholesterol simply adds to the confusion. In order to better understand how cholesterol can be harmful or beneficial, what it does and how it affects the health will enable a better view of how normal cholesterol levels can be achieved.
Cholesterol is not something than uses different normal cholesterol levels for different people with varied lifestyles of weight. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL, high density lipids is considered to be good and LDL, low density lipids is called bad cholesterol and is the focus placed on many factors affecting heart health. LDL, if above what is considered normal cholesterol levels, can cause excessive clotting leading to heart attack and stroke while making the blood thicker and more difficult to circulate.
The HDL, if below normal cholesterol levels, can also cause problems if the blood cannot flow smoothly. Achieving a balance between the two normal cholesterol levels, coupled with the triglycerides in the blood will help maintain a healthy coronary system. There are different methods available to reach the recommended levels and in many cases eating a healthy diet and exercise will accomplish the goals.
Finding Balance In Cholesterol Levels
Having an LDL level of 100 or less is considered ideal. Cholesterol is measured by milligrams per deciliter in the blood. A reading of 139 to 159 is considered borderline and above 160 is considered having above normal cholesterol levels reaching a dangerous level. For HDL, normal cholesterol levels are between 50 and 60. Someone with numbers 50 for good cholesterol can normally achieve a better level through exercising 30 to 60 minutes every three or four days.
Factoring into the normal cholesterol levels is the amount of fat, triglycerides also in the blood. Normal is less than 150 mg/dl with 200 to 499 being considered high. Anything over 500 is considered a very high and dangerous level. A combination of high LDL and low HDL along with high triglycerides can create a deadly combination.
When diet and exercise fails to return normal cholesterol levels to a healthy level, medical intervention may be needed to bring down the levels of bad cholesterol, coupled with an exercise regiment to increase the good cholesterol level. Typically, prescription medication will be used to reduce the triglyceride level in the blood as well. The doctor will work with the patient to make sure all normal cholesterol levels can be achieved for better heart health.
Cholesterol is not something than uses different normal cholesterol levels for different people with varied lifestyles of weight. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL, high density lipids is considered to be good and LDL, low density lipids is called bad cholesterol and is the focus placed on many factors affecting heart health. LDL, if above what is considered normal cholesterol levels, can cause excessive clotting leading to heart attack and stroke while making the blood thicker and more difficult to circulate.
The HDL, if below normal cholesterol levels, can also cause problems if the blood cannot flow smoothly. Achieving a balance between the two normal cholesterol levels, coupled with the triglycerides in the blood will help maintain a healthy coronary system. There are different methods available to reach the recommended levels and in many cases eating a healthy diet and exercise will accomplish the goals.
Finding Balance In Cholesterol Levels
Having an LDL level of 100 or less is considered ideal. Cholesterol is measured by milligrams per deciliter in the blood. A reading of 139 to 159 is considered borderline and above 160 is considered having above normal cholesterol levels reaching a dangerous level. For HDL, normal cholesterol levels are between 50 and 60. Someone with numbers 50 for good cholesterol can normally achieve a better level through exercising 30 to 60 minutes every three or four days.
Factoring into the normal cholesterol levels is the amount of fat, triglycerides also in the blood. Normal is less than 150 mg/dl with 200 to 499 being considered high. Anything over 500 is considered a very high and dangerous level. A combination of high LDL and low HDL along with high triglycerides can create a deadly combination.
When diet and exercise fails to return normal cholesterol levels to a healthy level, medical intervention may be needed to bring down the levels of bad cholesterol, coupled with an exercise regiment to increase the good cholesterol level. Typically, prescription medication will be used to reduce the triglyceride level in the blood as well. The doctor will work with the patient to make sure all normal cholesterol levels can be achieved for better heart health.
Symptoms Of High Cholesterol Are Rarely Noticed
High cholesterol does not make you feel sick. It is usually found during a routine
cholesterol and triglycerides test, which is a blood test that measures cholesterol level. Blood cholesterol levels in both men and women begin to go up around age 20s.
Introduction of Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and is needed for many bodily functions, such as the production of hormones. It is produced when foods containing oil and fat are digested. It is also produced in the liver. Cholesterol in the blood is found in two types of particles. The cholesterol in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to heart disease by ‘sticking’ to and narrowing the arteries supplying the heart. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it keeps LDL levels in checkauses Of High Cholesterol.
Signs And Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Symptoms of high cholesterol usually are rare. Even if you have no symptoms, it is still possible that you can still be sick. High cholesterol typically has no noticeable symptoms what so ever. Symptoms of high cholesterol are usually found by routine blood test and rarely give any noticeable warning signs. Very high cholesterol lead to skin changes There may have other distinct symptoms such as deposits of excess cholesterol that collect in the skin or eyelid tissue. These cholesterol deposits can also cause nodules in tendons in the hands or feet or, rarely, yellow streaks in the hands.
Causes Of Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
The tendency to build up symptoms of high cholesterol may run in your family but excessively high levels are usually the result of a poor diet high in saturated fats and calories, combined with little or no exercise. Elevated cholesterol levels in the body as such do not produce any major symptoms or signs, but leads to the development of serious disorders such as heart disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease and more.
Blockage of the coronary arteries in the heart by cholesterol deposition leads to coronary insufficiency, called ischaemia (decreased oxygen supply to the muscles of the heart), and this can eventually result in myocardial infarction (heart attack). Very high levels of cholesterol lead to skin changes like xanthelesma near the eyes. Cholesterol deposits can also cause nodules in tendons and in the hands, feet, or rarely yellow streaks in the hands.
Since, there virtually no symptoms for high cholesterol then it is hard to know when to see your doctor. If your cholesterol is severe, the only way to know is to have regular blood work checked and to take preventive steps to avoid the complications of high cholesterol.
cholesterol and triglycerides test, which is a blood test that measures cholesterol level. Blood cholesterol levels in both men and women begin to go up around age 20s.
Introduction of Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and is needed for many bodily functions, such as the production of hormones. It is produced when foods containing oil and fat are digested. It is also produced in the liver. Cholesterol in the blood is found in two types of particles. The cholesterol in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to heart disease by ‘sticking’ to and narrowing the arteries supplying the heart. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it keeps LDL levels in checkauses Of High Cholesterol.
Signs And Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Symptoms of high cholesterol usually are rare. Even if you have no symptoms, it is still possible that you can still be sick. High cholesterol typically has no noticeable symptoms what so ever. Symptoms of high cholesterol are usually found by routine blood test and rarely give any noticeable warning signs. Very high cholesterol lead to skin changes There may have other distinct symptoms such as deposits of excess cholesterol that collect in the skin or eyelid tissue. These cholesterol deposits can also cause nodules in tendons in the hands or feet or, rarely, yellow streaks in the hands.
Causes Of Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
The tendency to build up symptoms of high cholesterol may run in your family but excessively high levels are usually the result of a poor diet high in saturated fats and calories, combined with little or no exercise. Elevated cholesterol levels in the body as such do not produce any major symptoms or signs, but leads to the development of serious disorders such as heart disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease and more.
Blockage of the coronary arteries in the heart by cholesterol deposition leads to coronary insufficiency, called ischaemia (decreased oxygen supply to the muscles of the heart), and this can eventually result in myocardial infarction (heart attack). Very high levels of cholesterol lead to skin changes like xanthelesma near the eyes. Cholesterol deposits can also cause nodules in tendons and in the hands, feet, or rarely yellow streaks in the hands.
Since, there virtually no symptoms for high cholesterol then it is hard to know when to see your doctor. If your cholesterol is severe, the only way to know is to have regular blood work checked and to take preventive steps to avoid the complications of high cholesterol.
Natural Ways Of Reducing Cholesterol Levels
When you reach a certain age, many medical professionals suggest that individual undergo a yearly medical checkup. Often a thorough medical exam includes a physical examination, the possibility of a colonoscopy, an EKG, chest x-ray, etc. In addition, a number of blood tests are ordered as well by the physician.
As part of the blood test the levels of the individual’s cholesterol is checked as well. Within this specific area of testing the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are evaluated. It is important to note that when checking the levels of cholesterol within the bloodstream the HDL or good cholesterol does not need to be reduced, but increased.
Therefore, when talking about reducing cholesterol levels, the medical community is talking about the LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol. When talking about reducing cholesterol levels, it is important to understand why LDL levels of cholesterol need to be reduced and ways that this can be accomplished.
Why Reducing Cholesterol Levels Is Important
LDL cholesterol is that type of cholesterol that is fatty in texture. Because of this texture the blending of LDL cholesterol with proteins found in the bloodstream can be best illustrated as the attempt to mix water with oil. Obviously, water and oil do not mix.
Therefore, when the LDL cholesterol is in the bloodstream it does not transport properly through the arterial system. This in turn may cause the LDL cholesterol to attach itself to the interior walls of the arteries. Eventually, if this is allowed to happen, there is a buildup of cholesterol which creates a blockage of the blood within the artery. This dangerous situation may cause coronary heart disease, strokes or heart attacks.
Natural Ways Of Reducing Cholesterol Levels
There are two specific natural ways of reducing cholesterol levels within the individual. One of the best ways to reduce the LDL level is through a proper diet.
Therefore, it is important that the individual who is wishing to reduce cholesterol levels within their bloodstream refrain from eating excessive amounts of red meat, lamb or other animal products. These animal products can include cream cheese, cheeses, butter, eggs or other items high in cholesterol.
Not only should the individual refrain from eating these products, but they should become more educated consumers. This education can be accomplished by reading the nutritional labels found on food packaging. When reading these labels it is important to refrain from eating foods that have high amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat or fats contained within the food product. Generally, food labels disclose what the cholesterol content is of these items per serving.
Another natural way of reducing cholesterol levels is through exercise. It is highly recommended that an individual engage in any exercise program that can be labeled as a cardiovascular activity. Some of these activities can include swimming, jogging, walking, etc. Any exercise that will elevate the heart beat of an individual to a certain level depending upon their age and physical condition can be considered a cardiovascular activity.
As part of the blood test the levels of the individual’s cholesterol is checked as well. Within this specific area of testing the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are evaluated. It is important to note that when checking the levels of cholesterol within the bloodstream the HDL or good cholesterol does not need to be reduced, but increased.
Therefore, when talking about reducing cholesterol levels, the medical community is talking about the LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol. When talking about reducing cholesterol levels, it is important to understand why LDL levels of cholesterol need to be reduced and ways that this can be accomplished.
Why Reducing Cholesterol Levels Is Important
LDL cholesterol is that type of cholesterol that is fatty in texture. Because of this texture the blending of LDL cholesterol with proteins found in the bloodstream can be best illustrated as the attempt to mix water with oil. Obviously, water and oil do not mix.
Therefore, when the LDL cholesterol is in the bloodstream it does not transport properly through the arterial system. This in turn may cause the LDL cholesterol to attach itself to the interior walls of the arteries. Eventually, if this is allowed to happen, there is a buildup of cholesterol which creates a blockage of the blood within the artery. This dangerous situation may cause coronary heart disease, strokes or heart attacks.
Natural Ways Of Reducing Cholesterol Levels
There are two specific natural ways of reducing cholesterol levels within the individual. One of the best ways to reduce the LDL level is through a proper diet.
Therefore, it is important that the individual who is wishing to reduce cholesterol levels within their bloodstream refrain from eating excessive amounts of red meat, lamb or other animal products. These animal products can include cream cheese, cheeses, butter, eggs or other items high in cholesterol.
Not only should the individual refrain from eating these products, but they should become more educated consumers. This education can be accomplished by reading the nutritional labels found on food packaging. When reading these labels it is important to refrain from eating foods that have high amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat or fats contained within the food product. Generally, food labels disclose what the cholesterol content is of these items per serving.
Another natural way of reducing cholesterol levels is through exercise. It is highly recommended that an individual engage in any exercise program that can be labeled as a cardiovascular activity. Some of these activities can include swimming, jogging, walking, etc. Any exercise that will elevate the heart beat of an individual to a certain level depending upon their age and physical condition can be considered a cardiovascular activity.
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