What Cholesterol Really Is
Even though there are many health experts voicing their concerns on high cholesterol, many of them do not mention that the human body needs cholesterol for the production of hormones and bile in the cell walls. The amount of cholesterol needed for this function however is not much and it is indeed the excess amounts of cholesterol, the body does not use that cause dangerous problems for the cardiovascular system.
Too Much of a Good Thing
The problem is that the body cannot effectively eliminate cholesterol from the body when it is found in excess. Instead, the substance remains in the bloodstream, forming a plaque in the arteries that makes it much more difficult for blood to pass through freely.
Hindering the blood flow cause our heart to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. The additional strain on the heart is what causes the risk of a heart attack.
This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.
Types
The two types of cholesterol in our bodies are LDL and HDL cholesterol. HDL or high density lipoproteins helps to remove cholesterol from our bodies and LDL or low density lipoproteins delivers cholesterol to the body.
Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.
Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.
You can talk to your doctor about what good cholesterol levels are and how you can achieve or maintain them. - 17274
Too Much of a Good Thing
The problem is that the body cannot effectively eliminate cholesterol from the body when it is found in excess. Instead, the substance remains in the bloodstream, forming a plaque in the arteries that makes it much more difficult for blood to pass through freely.
Hindering the blood flow cause our heart to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. The additional strain on the heart is what causes the risk of a heart attack.
This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.
Types
The two types of cholesterol in our bodies are LDL and HDL cholesterol. HDL or high density lipoproteins helps to remove cholesterol from our bodies and LDL or low density lipoproteins delivers cholesterol to the body.
Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.
Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.
You can talk to your doctor about what good cholesterol levels are and how you can achieve or maintain them. - 17274
About the Author:
Kim Bailey is a health expert and blogger. If you have ever asked the question how do I lower my cholesterol or would like more information on natural cures for high cholesterol you can find the answers on Cholesterol Natural Remedies.com
posted by X - Men at
12:50 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home