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High Cholesterol - Step Towards Heart Problem
High Cholesterol - Step Towards Heart Problem
High Cholesterol level rings a high alert bell for anyone who falls into this category. It has almost become synonymous with heart disease. The term is widely used in common parlance but still there are several misconceptions about the whole issue of cholesterol. It is critical to build a sound understanding on the issue in order to address the same.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat called lipids. It is required by the body for its normal functioning in order to produce hormones''vitamin-Dand the bile acids that help to digest fat. It is prepared naturally by the liver and you also get it from the food that you eat.
The excess cholesterolhoweverstarts depositing in your arteries resulting in narrowing and blocking of the arteries. This condition can lead to heart problems. Take the case of a clog formed in the house sink pipe due to built up grease in the pipe. In the same wayexcess cholesterol in your arteries makes it difficult for the blood to flow through them to your heartdepriving it of a regular supply of oxygen and nutrients. The condition can result either in fixed narrowing that gets hardened and is the cause of angina. In a less severe casethe narrowing may contain fatty plaque. This can rupture and cause clot formationdisrupting the blood flow and a heart stroke.
How To Measure Your Cholesterol Level
You can find out if you have high cholesterol by taking a simple blood test. A complete lipid profile is undoubtedly a better measure since it also gives you information on the levels of HDL (High-density lipoproteins)LDL (Low-density lipoproteins) and Triglycerides. High levels of LDL and triglycerides are a cause of concern since these increase the chances of heart stroke.
There are acceptable levels of these lipids. According to expertsLDL of less than 100 is acceptable. A level of 160 and above is considered as high risk. HDLon the other handshould be 40 and above. Anything less than 40 increases the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides level should be under 150 as well. Anything out of the acceptable range is a cause of concern and demands remedial measures.
What Raises Cholesterol Level
The main culprit for the high cholesterol level is the modern day lifestyle. Several other factors also contribute towards it. Some of the main causes could be attributed to the intake of too much saturated fat from animal products like buttercheesemilkeggsbeefand pork. Even packed foodschipscookies also have a high level of saturated fat.
Lack of exercise; being overweight; unhealthy habits like smokingand heavy drinking; all of these contribute to the rise of cholesterol level. Age is also an important contributory factor to the increase in the cholesterol level. Sometimesthe cause could be a genetic disorder as well.
Your health is predominantly in your own hands by keeping your cholesterol level under check. A healthy lifestyle and some basic precautions will surely help. In severe cases medicines can be used to control high cholesterol. This would take care of your heart.