Keeping Bad Cholesterol In Check
Cardio-vascular diseases top the list of major diseases the world over. Medical experts opine that a high cholesterol level in the bloodstream is the single major causative factor in this group of diseases. So what causes high levels of cholesterol in the blood, and what can you do to prevent that from happening to you? Let's find out.
The name "cholesterol" refers to a family of compounds that are found in the body. Some of these cholesterols may be good (HDL), others may be bad (LDL) for you. The trick is to maintain a decently high level of the good and reduce the bad cholesterol.
There is a general perception that a high level of cholesterol is itself a disease. This is false. But yes, high levels of bad cholesterol increase the risk of some very serious, even life threatening, cardio-vascular diseases. Some of these diseases are: atherosclerosis (which hardens the arteries), heart arrhythmias, strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. We'll tell you how to control the level of cholesterol in your blood.
The first step is dietary vigilance. Reduce those foods that contain a dangerously high amount of cholesterol. Fatty foods and animal products are notorious for their cholesterol content. Such foods are oils, dairy produce, poultry produce, and meats. Reduce your intake of sodium and foods containing a lot of sodium because it is known to be responsible for aggravating the cholesterol level in the blood.
The second situation is an inactive lifestyle. If you are serious about controlling the level of bad cholesterol in your blood, then you should make it a point of exercising regularly. Thirty minutes of exercise is what the American Heart Association advises. Choose the form of exercise that suits you and your lifestyle best. Cycling, dancing, aerobics, walking, jogging, and swimming are all pleasant forms of exercise. Do these regularly as part of your normal routine, and watch those cholesterol levels drop!
A secondary cause of high cholesterol is smoking. Smoking raises the level of cholesterol in the blood. Even second hand smoke is harmful in this respect. So, if you do have a high cholesterol level, reduce or stop smoking, and avoid those places where there is a lot of second hand smoke.
Sometimes, very rarely, but still often enough, it's not your diet or your lifestyle that causes the LDL level to skyrocket. It's your body itself, its regulatory mechanism that is malfunctioning! This happens due to genetic factors which may even be hereditary. The way out of this situation is medication. Your physician will prescribe medicines that are suitable for your condition.
The level of cholesterol in your blood can seriously affect your life and lifestyle! Before that happens, it is better that you consciously work your way to a better lifestyle. Watch your diet, exercise regularly, and stop smoking; these are simple ways to get on top of your high cholesterol condition. Medication is always there if the simple methods don't work. Remember, high cholesterol can lead to life altering and even life threatening cardio-vascular conditions, such as strokes and heart attacks. Your general health goes down, and you can suffer from many other unrelated diseases. Therefore it is in your own best interest to get serious about controlling the level of cholesterol in your blood - for good!
To read more about how to reduce cholesterol go to www.reduce-high-cholesterol.com. You'll also discover how a simple over the counter cholesterol test can help you keep an eye on your levels and decrease the number of costly trips to the physician.
categories: cholesterol,health
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