Cholesterol And Your Health
- Jul 7, 2016
- 2 min read
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that travels through the blood in Lipoproteins. Cholesterol is made by the body and can be found in food such as eggs, meat and cheese.
When the body has too much cholesterol, though, it can build up in the arteries and block them. The plaque as they are called can cause heart disease and stroke.
There are two types of cholesterol
High density Lipoprotein( HDL) also called good cholesterol
Low density Lipoprotein(LDL) also called bad cholesterol
The two types of cholesterol are not the same and therefore do not have the same effect on your health.
HDL is the "GOOD' cholesterol because having high levels can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
LDL is the 'BAD' cholesterol, it makes up the majority of the body’s cholesterol. Having high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke.
Your total cholesterol is based on your HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels.
People with high total cholesterol have twice the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the blood. The body uses it for energy.
A combination of one of the following puts your health at risk; they can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Low levels of good cholesterol(HDL) and high levels of triglycerides
High levels of bad(LDL)
You therefore, want to avoid these two, by having HIGH levels of the HDL(good cholesterol). A simple blood test will tell you what your cholesterol levels.
There are no signs and symptoms of high cholesterol, but there are risk factors. Knowing these risk factors can help one make the right health decision. The best decision is to prevent it.
Risk Factors
Hereditary- A family history
Unhealthy eating
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Diabetes
Prevention
Prevention is better than cure.
Developing a healthy lifestyle will eliminate the avoidable risk factors for high cholesterol, they are unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity and obesity.
The unavoidable risk factors such as hereditary and existing diseases can be reduced by controlling them. Living a health lifestyle will put you in control.
If you are a diabetic your doctor will check your cholesterol levels as part of your medical care, but you will need self care at home for diabetes. You will need to eliminate the avoidable risk factors.
If you have hypertension, pre-hypertension or are a smoker, get your cholesterol levels checked. You will need to quit and lower your blood pressure.
What can everyone do?
Everyone can get rid of avoidable risk factors by:
Developing healthy eating habits
Being physically active
Knowing their risk factors
Quit smoking
Get tested
Self care is the key to living that healthy lifestyle.
Comments