Sunday, June 19, 2011

Simple ways to Lower Your Cholesterol-Health and Fitness

Your body needs cholesterol to function efficiently. However, too much cholesterol in your body damage.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that occurs in your body. It is also found in many foods from animal sources. Fish, milk, poultry and eggs contain cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in the body accumulates in the arteries, causing them to narrow. This may give an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important that you know how to reduce cholesterol.
Good and bad cholesterol
HDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because high levels of HDL may protect against heart attack.
HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your body for the transport of cholesterol from the blood into the liver. After that cholesterol is transported to the liver, is discarded.
According to the American Heart Association, experts believe that high levels of HDL cholesterol, inhibit the development of arterial plaque.
A buildup of plaque increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, commonly called "bad" cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver unhealthy to other parts of your body. A high LDL cholesterol level, building the walls of the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The buildup of plaque narrows the arteries and makes them less flexible. This unfortunate situation can often lead to blood clots.
Cholesterol screening
The cholesterol test may be useful in efforts to reduce cholesterol. There are many simple sets, rapid cholesterol screening available. These kits are usually inexpensive and well worth the money.
Here are some recommended guidelines for the evaluation of cholesterol:
Total cholesterol should be below 200. Everything in the range of 200 to 239 is considered as a limit. A score above 240 is high.
A desired level of HDL cholesterol above 60. Anything below 40 is considered too low.
An optimal LDL cholesterol level is below 100. The ceiling is considered a level between 130 and 159. A high LDL level is between 160 and 189. A little over 190 is considered very high.
The above figures obtained from the National Cholesterol Education Program, referred to the risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease.
It is also a good idea to check your cholesterol if you have any of the following conditions:

*
Hypertension - high blood pressure is a typical class of over 140 systolic and 90 diastolic.
*If you have diabetes.
*You have a family history of heart attacks.
*You are a smoker.
*Its previous forecast shows high levels of cholesterol.
How to lower cholesterol?
The most effective way to reduce cholesterol is to eat healthy. A diet low in saturated fat and trans fat will help reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your body.
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Also, more fiber to your diet. Beans, oats and peas are rich in fiber.
Moderate consumption of red meat. For a healthier alternative, you can replace meat with fish fried.
Regular exercise is also an important ingredient in the fight against high cholesterol. Regular physical activity increases HDL while reduce your level of LDLs.
Stop smoking. The snuff increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, even in people with low cholesterol.
Lose weight if overweight. Losing excess weight increases the HDL cholesterol and lower LDL levels. 

Medications for high cholesterol
If changes in lifestyle are not enough to lower your cholesterol, you should ask your doctor about medications. There are several medications that can be effective in reducing cholesterol. These drugs may individually or in combination with other drugs are prescribed.
Your physician will ultimately determine how to reduce cholesterol, according to his state. If you are prescribed medication, still have to get your diet and participation in regular physical activity. 

Bottom line
According to the American Heart Association, the number of heart disease cause of death in the United States. More than 2,000 people die each day due to cardiovascular disease.
Although these statistics are alarming, there is good news. Changes in lifestyle and good nutrition choices have proved effective in lowering your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It's up to you to take action to improve their lives and live longer.

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