Facts About High CholesterolCholesterol is a fatty waxy like substances that is found in the bloodstream and cells of the body. It plays a very important role in health by producing cell membranes, and aids in the proper function of hormones. Cholesterol levels should be at a specific level, but often are too high in our society due to diet and lifestyle. There are two types of cholesterol: 1. HDL - high density lipoprotein is called good cholesterol. It is thought to be good as it prevents strokes and heart attackes by cleaning the arterys of cholesterol build up. An optimal level of HDL cholesterol is 40 mg/dl. 2. LDL - low density lipoprotein is known as the bad cholesterol. This type of cholesterol typically clogs the arteries and increases the risk of heart attackes and other heart diseases. 200 md/dl or less is the optimal amount of LDL. What Causes High Cholesterol? Factors such as age, genetics, obesity, gender and lifestyle are all factors when it comes to high cholesterol. The primary factor is usually a high content of saturated fats absorbed in the intestinal tract from foods. Obesity is closely related to high cholesterol because an obese person is primarily made up of fat containing cholesterol. Weight management clearly becomes a very important factor in preventing heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. When relatives in our family suffer from high cholesterol, it is common for other family members to have a predisposition to high cholesterol as well. Genetics do play a significant role. Medication with the guidance of your doctor is the best method to control this type of elevated cholesterol levels. Some men can show high cholesterol levels as early as their teens, and for women, it is typically after menopause. Prevention is Key Negligence can be named the number one cause of high cholesterol. Watching what we eat and exercising regularly can not only reduce cholesterol, but also maintain healthy levels in the body. |