Do You Keep Bad Cholesterol Under Your Control?


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There are 2 main types of blood cholesterol - LDL also known as Bad cholesterol and HDL also known as Good cholesterol.

What is the impact of excess LDL in your body?

Majority of the body’s cholesterol is converted as LDL. This is mostly made up of small amount of protein and fat. The presence of too much LDL cholesterol in the blood may result in building of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries. More and more plaques will narrow the arteries and may eventually block the flow of blood and thus resulting in heart attacks and strokes. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular diseases caused by LDL cholesterol kills 16.7 million persons in a year through out the world.

What are the benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol?

Lowering LDL cholesterol involves exercising regularly, losing excess weight, and following a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Reducing the level of LDL cholesterol is the first step in preventing atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol are as follows:

• Prevents or reduces the formation of new cholesterol plaques on the artery walls.
• It reduces the existing cholesterol plaques on the arteries.
• It helps to widen the narrowed arteries.
• It decreases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
• It helps to prevent the rupture of cholesterol plaques that initiates blood clot formation.

What are the causes for high LDL cholesterol levels?

The factors which are responsible for high LDL cholesterol levels are:

Genetics - If any of your family members have cholesterol problems or heart disease, you are at a higher risk for having problems.
Excess weight - Over weight results in the increase of LDL cholesterol levels.
Food habits - Avoid food items that are high in cholesterol, and food items that are high in trans and saturated fat. These foods items increase the bad cholesterol level and also increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Age factor - The risk of bad cholesterol increases as you become older.
Physical activity – Lack of physical activity increase the LDL levels, which increases your risk of developing heart diseases.

What is the optimal level of LDL Cholesterol?

It is good to check the cholesterol level at least once in every five years. A cholesterol test is known as a lipid profile test. These tests are usually done in connection with a routine physical exam. The Optimal level of LDL cholesterol is below 100mg/dL. If your LDL Cholesterol level is 160 mg/dL, then you are at the risk of bad cholesterol.

What are the treatments for increased LDL cholesterol?

Treatment for cholesterol is aimed at lowering the LDL cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing HDL cholesterol. Reducing LDL cholesterol by 1% decreases the risk of heart disease by 2% and on the other hand, a decrease in HDL cholesterol by 1%, increase in the risk of heart disease to 2 to 3%.

A low cholesterol diet and regular exercise are essential to reduce bad cholesterol level. A drug therapy is often recommended to lower bad cholesterol, in addition with proper diet and regular exercise. The decision to treat a patient with drug therapy or dietary therapy is usually based on a patient’s LDL level, presence of heart disease and other risk factors.

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