Cholesterol Level BasicsThere is so much talk about cholesterol today. Billboards, commercials, and magazines are all telling us how to lower our cholesterol level. We often hear our doctor talking about cholesterol. But what really is cholesterol? Why is it bad for us? How do we get cholesterol? Are there alternatives to treating cholesterol other than prescription medication? Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat, that is naturally made by the liver in our body. We need it for every cell membrane, and it is critical for many bodily functions. When our cholesterol levels are becoming high, it is due to an overproduction of cholesterol or too much intake from foods we eat. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries leading to cardiovascular disease or heart attack. Strokes are also caused by elevated cholesterol in the body. All of these conditions are not only debilitating, but can also be deadly. How can you determine if your cholesterol level is high? Your doctor can perform blood test to find out the concentration of cholesterol in your blood. Often times, your doctor may ask you to take a fasting blood test where you will take the test after having gone a specific number of hours without food. High cholesterol is diagnosed when levels are greater that 240 mg/dl. Your doctor will tell you the amount of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol from this test. If your good cholesterol (HDL) is above 40 mg/dl this is best. Ideally, your bad cholesterol (LDL) should be less than 100 mg/dl. When LDL is above this concentration, you will be at a greater risk of heart disease or heart attack. HDL has the ability to carry cholesterol out of the blood stream, and therefore we call it the 'good' cholesterol. It is taken back to the liver and broken down, hence reducing the overall cholesterol in the body. LDL on the other hand builds up in the blood vessels and arteries. If you discover that your cholesterol level is high, there are many things you can do to help lower it. Eating a health low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, and exercising regularly are a great start. This will not only lower your cholesterol, but also your weight as well. If you are a smoker, quitting will help reduce cholesterol and restore overall health. After attempting these methods of lowering your cholesterol, and still there is little or no change, consult your doctor about prescription medication. Cholesterol medications can have serious side effects, including liver damage, so they should only be used after exhausting all other natural options. High cholesterol can be life threatening if not under control, so do take action to lower it. |