One of the leading causes of death today is heart disease. This is because elevated LDL cholesterol levels and low HDL cholesterol levels are closely linked to heart disease. With the increase of LDL cholesterol within the arteries there is a corresponding susceptibility of cholesterol clinging to the arterial walls which in turn may block flow through the coronary arteries to the heart. This in turn may cause heart disease or strokes.
Therefore, because of this medical fact it is highly recommended that individuals have their cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis. It is recommended by the medical community that the blood of individuals be checked for healthy cholesterol levels when they reach the age of 20 and every five years after that. In addition, a doctor may order blood work more frequently to make sure that their patients maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
When the lab results come back from the laboratory, the doctor will consult with the patient to make sure that the results reflect healthy cholesterol levels. Those results will reflect LDL levels and HDL levels that may or may not be considered healthy cholesterol levels.
LDL Levels
LDL cholesterol is that cholesterol in the human body that is known as the bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because its texture is fatty-like in substance. This non-soluble texture creates a water and oil type of blending which may cause the LDL cholesterol to clog the arteries by adhering to the inner walls. Obviously, this is not a good condition. This cholesterol is created within the body by the liver as well as the ingestion of high cholesterol and fatty foods.
Healthy cholesterol levels of LDL levels should be below 200mg. Anything above this can be classified as risky or dangerous levels of LDL cholesterol.
HDL Levels
HDL cholesterol is good cholesterol and blends well into the bloodstream. The purpose of cholesterol is to combine with the proteins found in the bloodstream and to create a lipoprotein. This process is an integral part of the metabolism process required to maintain the healthy function of the body.
A healthy cholesterol level of HDL cholesterol is the same for both men and women. This healthy cholesterol level should be 60 mg or above. A non-healthy cholesterol level of HDL cholesterol is different for both men and women. For men non-healthy cholesterol level of 40 mg or below is worrisome and non-healthy cholesterol levels of 50 mg or below is of concern for a woman.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Many Try To Lower High Cholesterol And Lipitor Can Help
Sometimes diet and exercise just are not enough to reduce high cholesterol and Lipitor is often prescribed to help lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. The drug, known as atorvastatin helps stop the production of cholesterol in the body, thereby lowering the overall cholesterol level in the body. As a member of the statin family of drug, it is often used to treat patients in whom high cholesterol may be blamed on genetics.
Of two principal causes of high levels of bad cholesterol, diet and exercise can only control one of them. The other cause, inherited from other members of the family will not be affected by diet. Rather it is caused by the amount of cholesterol produced by the body. Looking for ways to combat this infusion of high cholesterol and Lipitor can help by effectively stopping its production.
Other drugs work as absorption inhibitors to stop cholesterol from being absorbed by the body and in cases of severely high cholesterol and Lipitor used along with an absorption inhibitor can reduce the overall cholesterol faster than a single drug plan alone. However, with the side effect potential of both types of drugs, many doctors are reluctant to use them both at once, except in extreme circumstances.
Side Effects Should Not Deter Use
Under most circumstances, many drugs offer potential side effects. Many drugs for high cholesterol and Lipitor is no exception, have the potential to cause muscle pain as well as digestive disorders, although usually short-lived. Any adverse reaction to any drug should be reported to the doctor immediately to determine if the benefit of the drug is going to worth the reaction.
Repeated tests have shown a correlation between reducing the incidence of heart attacks due to the lowering of high cholesterol and Lipitor being used as one of the weapons in the battle against bad cholesterol. Doctors regularly prescribe Lipitor, or one of the other statin drugs to help reduce high cholesterol in their patients who have not been successful in reducing it on their own through lifestyle changes.
In many cases people may experience a lower of high cholesterol and Lipitor will still be part of their daily regimen. Although the doctor may reduce the dosage, they will be reluctant to remove something from the patient’s pharmaceutical treatment that has been successful due to the possibility of the cholesterol returning to its higher level.
Of two principal causes of high levels of bad cholesterol, diet and exercise can only control one of them. The other cause, inherited from other members of the family will not be affected by diet. Rather it is caused by the amount of cholesterol produced by the body. Looking for ways to combat this infusion of high cholesterol and Lipitor can help by effectively stopping its production.
Other drugs work as absorption inhibitors to stop cholesterol from being absorbed by the body and in cases of severely high cholesterol and Lipitor used along with an absorption inhibitor can reduce the overall cholesterol faster than a single drug plan alone. However, with the side effect potential of both types of drugs, many doctors are reluctant to use them both at once, except in extreme circumstances.
Side Effects Should Not Deter Use
Under most circumstances, many drugs offer potential side effects. Many drugs for high cholesterol and Lipitor is no exception, have the potential to cause muscle pain as well as digestive disorders, although usually short-lived. Any adverse reaction to any drug should be reported to the doctor immediately to determine if the benefit of the drug is going to worth the reaction.
Repeated tests have shown a correlation between reducing the incidence of heart attacks due to the lowering of high cholesterol and Lipitor being used as one of the weapons in the battle against bad cholesterol. Doctors regularly prescribe Lipitor, or one of the other statin drugs to help reduce high cholesterol in their patients who have not been successful in reducing it on their own through lifestyle changes.
In many cases people may experience a lower of high cholesterol and Lipitor will still be part of their daily regimen. Although the doctor may reduce the dosage, they will be reluctant to remove something from the patient’s pharmaceutical treatment that has been successful due to the possibility of the cholesterol returning to its higher level.
Friday, August 3, 2007
How Can I Lower Cholesterol Naturally?
We have all seen the cholesterol lowering drugs advertised on television. Along with the benefits they tout are the disclaimers listing many side effects that may come about when using these drugs. Is it any wonder that we would rather find ways to lower our cholesterol levels naturally?
We all know the diet and exercise recommendations for healthy living. Low fat, low cholesterol diets rich in fruits and vegetables promote good health. And no healthy lifestyle is complete without regular, frequent exercise. But incorporating these things into our daily lives are difficult lifestyle changes. The results of making these changes can not only lower cholesterol naturally but also decrease the risks of developing major illnesses like heart disease.
Add Exercise Slowly But Do It Daily
As important as it is to lower LDL or bad cholesterol naturally it is just as important to raise the level of HDL or good cholesterol. Regular exercise has been shown to do just that. Raise the good and lower the bad.
Start with a fifteen-minute workout everyday. Ride a bike, jog or swim, lift weights or try a step aerobics class. Be sure that at least half of your workout exercises your cardiovascular system. Gradually increase both the length and intensity of your workout, as you get stronger. Just be sure to workout everyday with no excuses. If you can afford to go to a gym and hire a personal trainer do it. The expense of a gym now can save you a lot of money on doctors visits later.
It takes twelve weeks to develop a habit so commit to working out everyday for this amount of time. You will soon feel better and look forward to your daily workouts.
Dietary Changes Can Do Wonders For Lowering Cholesterol Naturally
Use olive and fish oils as your only fats. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. There are specific foods that will help lower your cholesterol naturally such as alfalfa sprouts, berries, brewer’s yeast, fish, eggplant, garlic, whole grains, soy products and yogurt to name a few. There are so many foods that aid in lowering cholesterol naturally that you are bound to find a few that you love.
Eat smaller amounts of food more often. Instead of three big meals a day, try six smaller ones. Prepare your own meals as often as possible. This way you know all the ingredients and control the fats and cholesterol.
Take a daily multivitamin to make sure you are getting a completely nutritious diet.
We all know the diet and exercise recommendations for healthy living. Low fat, low cholesterol diets rich in fruits and vegetables promote good health. And no healthy lifestyle is complete without regular, frequent exercise. But incorporating these things into our daily lives are difficult lifestyle changes. The results of making these changes can not only lower cholesterol naturally but also decrease the risks of developing major illnesses like heart disease.
Add Exercise Slowly But Do It Daily
As important as it is to lower LDL or bad cholesterol naturally it is just as important to raise the level of HDL or good cholesterol. Regular exercise has been shown to do just that. Raise the good and lower the bad.
Start with a fifteen-minute workout everyday. Ride a bike, jog or swim, lift weights or try a step aerobics class. Be sure that at least half of your workout exercises your cardiovascular system. Gradually increase both the length and intensity of your workout, as you get stronger. Just be sure to workout everyday with no excuses. If you can afford to go to a gym and hire a personal trainer do it. The expense of a gym now can save you a lot of money on doctors visits later.
It takes twelve weeks to develop a habit so commit to working out everyday for this amount of time. You will soon feel better and look forward to your daily workouts.
Dietary Changes Can Do Wonders For Lowering Cholesterol Naturally
Use olive and fish oils as your only fats. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. There are specific foods that will help lower your cholesterol naturally such as alfalfa sprouts, berries, brewer’s yeast, fish, eggplant, garlic, whole grains, soy products and yogurt to name a few. There are so many foods that aid in lowering cholesterol naturally that you are bound to find a few that you love.
Eat smaller amounts of food more often. Instead of three big meals a day, try six smaller ones. Prepare your own meals as often as possible. This way you know all the ingredients and control the fats and cholesterol.
Take a daily multivitamin to make sure you are getting a completely nutritious diet.
Normal Levels Of Cholesterol Can Keep Heart Healthy
Many people are working to achieve normal levels of cholesterol for the health of their heart and there are many options available to help them succeed. The problem is there are conflicting theories concerning what the normal levels of cholesterol numbers should be, while most focus on the level of bad cholesterol and ignore the fact that there such as thing as good cholesterol.
There are no age, weight or gender factors involved in determining the normal levels of cholesterol, rather they are based on their effects on the blood. Bad cholesterol, that everyone is concerned about, can also be harmful with a high level of triglycerides, which is essentially fat in the blood stream. The bad cholesterol, with an optimal density of about 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) coupled with an optimal level of triglycerides of about 150 mg/dl is considered normal levels of cholesterol.
However, good cholesterol should be between 50 and 60 mg/dl to be effective in helping the blood flow smoothly. If a person has high bad cholesterol and high triglycerides along with a low level of good cholesterol, in can be damaging to their coronary system. The blood can become sticky, causing clots and subsequent heart attack and stroke, if the clot occurs in a vessel in the brain. A balanced level of normal levels of cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart disease as well as diabetes and stroke.
Keep Options In Mind For Better Heart Health
Typically, cholesterol comes from two sources, who you are and what you eat. A person can change their diet and lifestyle to help achieve normal levels of cholesterol, but hereditary cannot be changed. It may take medical intervention to bring bad cholesterol levels into the normal levels of cholesterol considered safe. Additionally, medication may be needed to reduce the triglycerides in the blood. A low level of good cholesterol, under 50 can usually be helped through regular exercise. However, some of the drugs available for the reduction of bas cholesterol can also raised the good cholesterol level.
Cholesterol gets into the system once the food is eaten and digested and it is during this process that cholesterol drugs work. One method uses statins to help keep the cholesterol flowing through the system where it is expelled without getting caught up in the blood stream. The other uses absorption inhibitors to keep the cholesterol from being absorbed, again allowing it to be dispelled before getting into the blood. Both help maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the body.
The type of medication will be determined by talking to the doctor to see which will work best for you, as well as which type will likely have the fewer side effects.
There are no age, weight or gender factors involved in determining the normal levels of cholesterol, rather they are based on their effects on the blood. Bad cholesterol, that everyone is concerned about, can also be harmful with a high level of triglycerides, which is essentially fat in the blood stream. The bad cholesterol, with an optimal density of about 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) coupled with an optimal level of triglycerides of about 150 mg/dl is considered normal levels of cholesterol.
However, good cholesterol should be between 50 and 60 mg/dl to be effective in helping the blood flow smoothly. If a person has high bad cholesterol and high triglycerides along with a low level of good cholesterol, in can be damaging to their coronary system. The blood can become sticky, causing clots and subsequent heart attack and stroke, if the clot occurs in a vessel in the brain. A balanced level of normal levels of cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart disease as well as diabetes and stroke.
Keep Options In Mind For Better Heart Health
Typically, cholesterol comes from two sources, who you are and what you eat. A person can change their diet and lifestyle to help achieve normal levels of cholesterol, but hereditary cannot be changed. It may take medical intervention to bring bad cholesterol levels into the normal levels of cholesterol considered safe. Additionally, medication may be needed to reduce the triglycerides in the blood. A low level of good cholesterol, under 50 can usually be helped through regular exercise. However, some of the drugs available for the reduction of bas cholesterol can also raised the good cholesterol level.
Cholesterol gets into the system once the food is eaten and digested and it is during this process that cholesterol drugs work. One method uses statins to help keep the cholesterol flowing through the system where it is expelled without getting caught up in the blood stream. The other uses absorption inhibitors to keep the cholesterol from being absorbed, again allowing it to be dispelled before getting into the blood. Both help maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the body.
The type of medication will be determined by talking to the doctor to see which will work best for you, as well as which type will likely have the fewer side effects.
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