One of the most frequently asked questions is- what is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that resides in our bloodstream. Some amount of cholesterol is required in the blood to retain good quality of health. High Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein are the two types of cholesterol that our body possesses. The acceptable level of cholesterol and triglyceride levels is mmol/ l. Total cholesterol level should be no more than 5. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level should be more than 1. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) must not be more than 3.
Suffering from high cholesterol levels is one of the most common traits in today’s generation. High cholesterols levels are so dangerous that they have the potency to induce many other fatal diseases. One of the consequences of unnatural cholesterol levels is rise in the tendency of heart attack. Since improper diet is not the only reason behind high cholesterol levels it becomes quite complex to deal with it. One should always contact a doctor to get the basics of his or her illness-whether the rise in cholesterol level is because of inappropriate diet or due to his or her genes or as a result of some other disease.
The two types of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol have different effects on the body. While HDL cholesterol is considered to be good for our body, LDL cholesterol has harmful effects. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol. It collects some of the residual cholesterol from the arteries and brings it to the liver where it is processed and in the course of time expelled from the body. LDL cholesterol is referred to as the bad cholesterol. It travels from the liver to different parts of the body. They stick to the walls of arteries and make them narrow slowly. This process is quite harmful because narrow arteries restrict the natural flow of blood and leads to heart attack and stroke.
One of the main causes behind high LDL cholesterol is the intake of high saturated fats found in fast food. The other reasons may be hereditary problem or some disease of liver, kidney, diabetes or active thyroid. It is best to consult a doctor and have him trace the reason behind your illness. Then you can safely undergo the proper course of remedy. So carry out the blood test first and check if your cholesterol level of either HDL or LDL is abnormal.
If your HDL cholesterol level is very low, it might have serious consequences. You must immediately take steps to increase the level. Undertake a regular exercise routine. Try to reduce your weight and maintain it by going through weight loss diets. Quit smoking as it has adverse effects on your health. In addition to this if your case is very serious, be ready to take medicines according to your doctor’s advice.
To check high level LDL cholesterol there are two ways. The first one is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet and going for frequent exercise to burn the extra calories.
Ron Beckett is author of this article on Reduce cholesterol. Find more information about lower cholesterol here.
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