Cholesterol is really a fatty and waxy substance that is made by the liver. It belongs to the group of saturated fats substances called lipids. An excessive amount of fatty foods in your diet may bring about high blood cholesterol. Most fatty foods originate from animal products for example butter, cheese, chocolate, dairy, pies, pastries, cakes, hot chips, potatoes and hash browns.
In certain individuals, high cholesterol levels could be because of genetic disorder. Too much cholesterol inside your blood will begin accumulating in the artery walls, causing narrowing from the arteries. This increases your risk of developing heart or brain attack(stroke).
Whatever the reason for your high levels of cholesterol is, it is very important that you make efforts to tear down levels of cholesterol by altering your lifestyle:
~ Consume a heart healthy dietary pattern.
~ lose a few pounds if you’re overweight.
~ Be active by doing moderate physical exercises not less than 30 minutes daily.
~ Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
~ Avoid foods prepared with butter, hydrogenated oil, coconut or palm oil.
~ Avoid white meat fats, chicken skin or processed meats and chicken.
~ Have more servings of dried peas, beans, soy products, oats, whole grain products and high-fibre cereals.
In case your cholesterol level is too high, your physician may place you on medication for any short time or for life. If that’s the situation, you should have your cholesterol levels checked every three months until it’s controlled and then every 6 months.
In normal circumstances, cholesterol is essential as it helps the body to work properly. Cholesterol and other fats are also called lipids and each of these includes a different function:
=> The High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL)known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps you to remove cholesterol in the artery walls, thereby reducing your chance of cardiovascular disease.
=> The Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) known as “bad” cholesterol since it deposits cholesterol into the artery wall, increasing your chance of heart disease or heart attack.
=> The Triglycerides would be the most common form of fat in your body. They behave as energy storage tanks from the body. High levels of triglycerides cause many diseases in your body, including heart disease and stroke.
To know your lipid profile, visit you doctor and he or she will execute a fasting blood test. A perfect profiles is really as follows:
Total cholesterol(TC) under 4mmol/L
LDL cholesterol under 2.5 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol greater than 1mmol/L
TC/HDL ratio under 4.5
Triglycerides less than 1.7 mmol/L
Individuals who have had heart surgery for example venous coronary bypass grafting(CABG) should maintain their total cholesterol level below 3.5 mmol/L and Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) at less than 2.0 mmol/L.
It is your responsibility to discuss your target cholesterol level with you health provider to reduce perils of cardiac arrest or brain attack(stroke).
To avert being a victim of cardiac arrest, improve your life style and remain health. Develop good diet plan, keep fit and enjoy life.