What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like white with a yellow tinge. It sits along the artery walls, blocking blood flow to the heart. This can cause the blood flow is impeded or completely cut off. Under optimal conditions, a normal cholesterol level is good. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is used by the body to build cell walls. It also produces estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fat. Cholesterol is also found in foods such as eggs, milk and cheese. Only when cholesterol levels are too high is the person at risk for heart disease. Heart disease is the number one murderer of Americans. If your levels are too high, simply means that your body is not able to remove or use up excess cholesterol. The blood test If your doctor considers it necessary, may order a blood test to check your cholesterol level. The day of the test, you must not eat or drink for twelve hours. The test itself is relatively simple and consists of a vial of blood drawn for testing. Furthermore, to avoid inaccuracies of the test, you may want to abstain from alcohol for several days. If you have had a rare disease before the test, be sure to inform your doctor as you may have an effect on the test. Be informed To keep abreast of your physical health is vital. You should ask your doctor any questions you may have about your cholesterol levels. The following questions may help you prepare for a discussion with your health care professional: What is my overall cholesterol level? What are my cholesterol levels of LDL and HDL? What standards should be my goal? How often should I have my cholesterol? HDL vs LDL? Everyone has two types of cholesterol, the good and bad. LDL or low density lipoprotein, is commonly known as bad cholesterol. This is the type of cholesterol that forms on artery walls. HDL, high density or protein actually helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. These proteins good collection of fatty material on artery walls and lead to the liver for disposal. If LDL, the bad, is high not only the accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, but will also invade the artery wall, becoming a part of it. This can have dangerous consequences, with the buildup can cause the wall of the artery to rupture or cause a blood clot. The result is a heart attack. Risk factors you at risk? The following factors increase the risk of high cholesterol that leads to heart disease: Do you have a close relative (parent or sibling) with heart disease? If you are a woman with peri-menopause is not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Do you currently smoke cigarettes? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have diabetes? If you are overweight by more than 30%? Do you live a sedentary lifestyle? Is your HDL cholesterol level less than 40? If you've had a heart attack, it is essential to keep your cholesterol level checked and in the normal range. A person who has already had a heart attack is at high risk of having another. What the numbers mean? His cholesterol level was measured by a simple blood test. Cholesterol was determined in milligrams per deciliter of blood. Under optimal conditions, the total cholesterol level should be below 200. 200-239 borderline high, and high is 240 or more. However, it is not enough to know their general level. You should know your LDL and HDL levels. HDL levels should be 60 or higher, while LDL levels should be 129 or less. How I can reduce my cholesterol level? Regular exercise of at least 30 minutes a day helps raise your HDL, lowers your blood pressure and keeps your heart muscle in shape. If you smoke, stop now. In the first year of quitting, your risk of heart disease decreases by 50%. If you are overweight, lose a few pounds. A person who maintains a healthy weight reduces your risk of heart disease. Any weight loss program should include a healthy diet. Its main objective should be to eat less saturated fat and trans. Choose lean meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains instead of fast food. Fat is not your enemy, there are healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Just be sure to read labels. So far this year, walking should be a part of your daily routine. As with any weight loss program, consult your doctor before starting. Some dietary suggestions include: Use low-fat meal or fat / deli. These are good in sandwiches and salads. Use fat-free cheese. Make tuna salad with fat-free mayonnaise and vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, green peppers). Be sure to use water-packed tuna. Use natural peanut butter. Opt for mustard for mayonnaise. Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces to have for snacks. Cut celery, carrots, cucumbers and salsa and low fat dressing or salsa. Use cottage cheese. Healthy snacks include popcorn "lite", rice cakes, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, almonds For dessert, try gelatin, ice cream bars nonfat yogurt, sorbet, and juice. Always use whole grain breads make a fish from your diet at least once a week. If your doctor believes that exercise and maintaining a healthy diet does not lower cholesterol, may prescribe drugs to help. Several prescription drugs cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins, or in the market. Your doctor will know what is best for you. These should not be taken if you have a chronic liver disease or if you are a heavy drinker. As with any drug, if you experience side effects, contact your doctor immediately. In addition, it is recommended that you have regular liver function tests while taking these medications. Most popular recipes are listed below by their generic name in parentheses: Vytorin and Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) statins work to lower cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG CoA reductase. This enzyme allows cells to produce cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle Changing the way of eating, increasing exercise and possibly medication may be difficult at first, the benefits are well worth it. These changes may help to have a longer and healthier by reducing cholesterol. While these measures do not guarantee a life free of heart problems, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of heart disease.
