High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Such a state can lead to a buildup of plaque in your artery walls.
A condition called atherosclerosis develops, the result can hinder blood from flowing unimpeded through your arteries.
When your heart is compromised cardiac problems can take root or a heart attack occurs
What's Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance thats found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones. The cholesterol travels through your bloodstream as lipoproteins. There are two kinds of lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) along with triglycerides make up your total blood cholesterol level. It's not uncommon that elevated levels of triglycerides and high cholesterol levels are often coupled together.
Know Your Levels: Keeping your cholesterol level in check is a terrific way to keep your heart healthy. Its important that both types of lipoproteins stay within normal ranges, it's also shrewd to know and understand your numbers.
HDL Cholesterol: A high level of HDL is considered heart healthy because HDL protects against heart disease. HDL takes cholesterol away from your arteries and transports it to the liver for elimination.
An HDL value greater than 60 mg/dL is considered protective against heart disease., Conversely a low HDL cholesterol puts you at higher risk for the development of heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol:. LDL usually takes cholesterol away from the liver and transports it to bodily tissues. It can build up plaque on the walls of your arteries, such an occurrence ramps up your chances for heart disease.
A low LDL cholesterol level of 100mg/dL or less is considered good for your heart's health while a high LDL cholesterol is detrimental. An LDL value between 160-189 mg/dl is considered high and at risk.
Total Cholesterol: Just keep in mind that your Total blood cholesterol score is calculated based on the HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. Total blood cholesterol levels higher than 240 mg/dL are considered high. A desirable level is 200mg/dL or less
Risk factors: Certain risk factors for uncontrolled cholesterol are age, family history, stress levels, body weight and blood pressure level. Additionally, smoking food choices or even diabetes, all can impact your cholesterol levels.
Targets for cholesterol levels are contingent on cardiovascular risk factors. However, there are some things you could do to alter risk factors. One key self-care intervention is eating a heart smart diet since your food choices have an impact on lowering your risk of heart disease.
Eating Smart: Dietary habits can either increase or reduce your cholesterol levels. A diet of unhealthy foods contributes to a raised level of the culprit LDL. This is especially so with a diet that is high in saturated or trans-fat.
When you reduce your intake of saturated and trans-fats you improve your chances of healthier eating. Eating a diet low in saturated fat, eating plant sterols and high in fibre can help lower your LDL cholesterol.
A good source is Omega-3s fats they reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by breaking down the LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.
At the end of the day eat healthfully and paying attention to your cholesterol numbers is vital if you want to conquer unhealthy cholesterol levels and stay heart healthy. But, not onlyis attention to your diet important so too is a regular exercise regimen.
Keep moving: Some studies show that exercise helps lower cholesterol. The most effective exercises for lowering cholesterol include cycling, jogging, walking, and swimming. Consistency is important to exercise regularly.
Weight control: Excess weight tends to increase your cholesterol so losing weight can help lower your LDL and Total cholesterol levels while raising your HDL.