What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the body. The body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function, produce hormones, and make vitamin D. Too much cholesterol in the blood, also called LDL, can stick to the walls of arteries – this is called plaque. Plaque can narrow or block arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.
When coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol (atherosclerosis) and cannot supply enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart, the result is coronary heart disease (CHD). If the blood supply is cut off by blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack.
Cholesterol levels rise as you age. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You may have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight, or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. Every adult should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once per year. The test shows total blood (or serum) cholesterol level, HDL (good cholesterol) level, LDL (bad) cholesterol level, and triglyceride level.
A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is considered good. A level from 200-239 mg/dL is a borderline level, and a level over 240 mg/dL is high risk; indicating twice the risk of coronary heart disease is indicated.
Triglycerides are a form of fat. A normal level is less than 150 mg/dL, borderline is 150 to 199 mg/dL, high is 200 to 499 mg/dL, and very high is 500 mg/dL or over. High triglycerides are caused by excessive weight, lack of exercise, and a diet high in carbohydrates.
Proven Procedures to Lower Cholesterol
Here are proven procedures to lower your cholesterol:
1. Eat a heart healthy diet by limiting your consumption of simple carbohydrates, such as rolls and white bread, and increasing your consumption of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Control your weight.
3. Get regular exercise.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Stop smoking.
Visit your doctor at least once per year for a physical exam and fasting blood tests to determine your cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol is normal and you are under 40 years of age, your doctor may decide to test for cholesterol less often. If you cholesterol is not normal, you and your doctor should prepare a treatment plan to lower it. If diet and exercise do not lower your cholesterol, since diet affects only 20% of your cholesterol level (the rest is determined by our heritage and other lifestyle factors), you may need to take medication.
Using these proven procedures to reduce your cholesterol will lead to a longer and healthier life for you!
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About this Author
Vianesa Vargas is a recognized weight loss expert and former fitness trainer with over 15 years’ experience helping individuals to make better food choices for life. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.CapitalFoodCoaching.com now and get your free weight loss planner.
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