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Cholesterol and Heart DiseaseFor some people, the risk of heart disease has to be faced due to no fault of their own. There are many genetic factors that come into play when assessing any individual's risk of developing heart disease, and some people are more prone to developing it than others. However, there are some things that you can do in order to decrease the likelihood of you developing the disease. In this article, we will look at preventative measures that you can take to keep cholesterol levels low. First, we’ll discuss the substance of cholesterol itself. It’s a waxy compound that is found in animal products. There are basically two different kinds of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - there is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often commonly called in layman’s terms, “bad” cholesterol. LDL has a great deal of cholesterol but a minimum of protein. It is LDL cholesterol that is responsible for causing plaque to clog the arteries. LDL cholesterol level that is less than 100 is optimal, while 100 to 129 is near optimal or above optimal. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - which is the “good” cholesterol. HDL has a small amount of cholesterol and a tremendous amount of protein. High levels of HDL are acceptable. HDL or good cholesterol helps get rid of the bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. HDL, the higher the number, the better it is. HDL cholesterol that measures 60 or more is at a desirable rate while less than 400 constitutes a major risk factor. Heart disease - cholesterol triglyceride levelsTriglycerides - another type of fat that is found in the bloodstream and is not talked about as much is triglyceride. More and more research is being done into triglycerides all of the time and they have been found in high amounts to be connected with the development of heart disease. Triglycerides that are less than 150 are at a normal or desirable rate while 150 to 199 is borderline high and 200 or more is high and may necessitate the need for medication in some individuals. A great many people do not appreciate that high cholesterol plays an important role in increasing the chance of developing coronary heart disease. Cholesterol is an essential building block for new cells so it is not all bad; it produces hormones in the body and it serves as nerve insulation. A certain quantity of cholesterol is necessary but when it gets too much, it constitutes a high risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol comes from two sources – the liver produces cholesterol but it also comes from food sources that are animal based, such as eggs, meat and milk. Too much cholesterol is a widespread problem. When there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood it starts building up in the artery walls and if this is left unchecked then atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries) takes place. Hardening of the arteries is actually the narrowing of the artery walls. This severely reduces the blood flow to and from the heart muscle. In serious cases the blood is blocked completely. Oxygen is carried by the blood back and forth to the heart and a narrowing of the walls of the arteries makes it very difficult for sufficient blood and oxygen to pass through. Discomfort and pain in the chest is often noted when atherosclerosis is taking place. The consequence of the blood supply being totally cut off to any areas of the heart, is a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, so it’s important to remember that you need to take good care of your heart in order to stay healthy.
It is advisable to have an exercise program that includes at least a half hour of activity for at least five days each week. Also, if you are a smoker, you should stop as soon as possible, as it causes the heart to work overtime, greatly increasing your risk of developing heart disease. Simple blood testHigh cholesterol does not produce any symptoms therefore it is essential to have your cholesterol levels checked through a simple blood test in order to determine what your HDL and LDL levels are. The medical community recommends that every individual over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol levels checks at least once every five years. By maintaining your levels of cholesterol, studies have shown that you can decrease your risk of developing coronary heart disease by a level of about twenty to thirty percent. The blood test analysis that is used to determine cholesterol levels is known as a lipoprotein profile. Four measurements will be taken on a cholesterol test and these include the total cholesterol level, the LDL “bad” cholesterol, the HDL “good” cholesterol and the triglycerides. A person whose total cholesterol is less than 200 is at a desirable level; total cholesterol that is 200 to 239 is borderline high and 240 and over is high. By keeping your lifestyle in check, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to the number one cause of death.
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When it comes to keeping to a low cholesterol
diet, you should choose foods with unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats should be avoided. You should also ensure
you include enough servings of whole grains, as well as a
healthy amount of fruit and vegetables. You should avoid
eating fatty foods and select fish and lean meats for
protein. You should also consider adding more garlic to
your diet, as it is helps balance the LDL and HDL levels
present within your body.
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