What is Your Cholesterol Level

Most likely we have all heard about Cholesterol. But thanks to the resource I located I can offer a more detailed look at it Cholesterol has the appearance of a waxy, fatlike substance that your liver produces. It helps in the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D and certain hormones Cholesterol does not dissolve in water and thus travels through out the body.

Cholesterol travels via the use of lipoproteins. Just like other matters in the body it travels via the bloodstream. Lipoproteins come in two forms (1) Low density lipoproteins (LDL) this is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" LDL can build up in arteries leading to serious health issues such as heart attacks or strokes. (2) HDL which is often called "good cholesterol" the main job is to return the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination.

In a manner of speaking we decide our selves how much LDL cholesterol our body takes in. Consuming too many foods contains high amounts of fat. Individuals with high cholesterol have often not followed a balanced diet. When LDL and HDL are not even fatty deposits build up in the blood vessels. Clogging the arteries where the blood can not flow through your arteries. This leads to issues through out the body but especially in the heart and brain area. The result of clogged arteries may be death.

DON"T LET HIGH CHOLESTEROL RULE YOUR LIFE!!!!

While there are medications that can help improve cholesterol levels there are other lifestyle changes to can help improve your cholesterol as well. Some of these changes are:

• Eat Heart Healthy Foods ---- Reducing saturated fats found in red meat and full fat dairy products. These fats raise your total cholesterol thus eating less of these fats can help lower your "bad " cholesterol level Trans fats found in products that are "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" should be lowered as well. These fats have been deemed banned from products by the FDA effective Jan 1, 2021. 
• Consume foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. The LDL cholesterol level is not affected by these fatty acids but they contain heart healthy benefits that can help reduce blood pressure Soluble fiber should also be increased in the diet as they reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Foods such as oatmeal, kidney beans, brussel sprouts, apples and pears. 
• Increase physical activity and if exercise is not part of the daily life style it should be added. Physical activity at a moderate level can help raise the HDL cholesterol level. Even putting a bit of physical activity into the day can help with weight loss. One good tip is to find someone to exercise with you
• Smoking has been proven not to be good for your health. Quitting smoking can be. It will help improve the "good" cholesterol. Test have shown that 20 minutes after smoking the blood pressure and heart rate recover from the cigarette induced spike. Three months with no smoking shows signs of better blood circulation and improved lung function. Abstaining from smoking for a year will decrease your risk of heart disease by a half of what it is for a smoker
• Being overweight contributes to high cholesterol. Losing weight will help reduce it. Start small by drinking water rather than other sugary beverages, popcorn or pretzels are better calorie wise than other snacks. 
• Alcohol should be moderated as it is linked to HDL cholesterol as well. Alcohol has been proven to be linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, and strokes. 

Changing lifestyle is a good way to get started on a healthier life but may not be enough. Medication may be needed The lifestyle changes can have an impact on how much medication you need to take.

Worried about high cholesterol and wonder what symptoms are?? There are not many early symptoms, rather emergency events such as a heart attack or stroke are the first signs. This is why those yearly dr. exams are important as a blood test is the only way to find out your cholesterol is too high. A cholesterol level above 240 milligrams per deciliter signifies high cholesterol. Any one over the age of 20 should be tested then retested after every 4 to 6 years. A family history of high cholesterol may lead to be tested more often.Risk factors such as high blood pressure, being overweight, or smoking may lead to testing more often

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