Why Is It Important To Know And Manage Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is known to be a fatty substance, also called a lipid, that is produced by the liver. It is also found in foods which are high in saturated fats like fatty meats, shellfish, dairy products and egg yolks. It's an essential part of functioning and the structure of our cells. However, high level of cholesterol in blood may result in slow plague development in the arteries and with time, a severe progressive disease known as artherosclerosis.
Total cholesterol which is a combination of HDL, VLDL and LDL in the blood is one among the most generally viewed measurements on the lipid's profile. The total cholesterol measurements can be obtained easily and can provide you with an idea of the level of cholesterol.But is it the only reading which you are required to look at? The answer is no.
The total cholesterol level can be capable of alerting you if there is a problem with your lipid - and a bigger risk of contracting any heart disease, but that doesn't tell you the entire story. For example, if the total cholesterol is higher, it may be because of your HDL, VLDL, LDL, or else a blend of such factors. If the total cholesterol level is high due to your LDL levels, this can indicate that you not only have high cholesterol but can also be at risk of heart disease in the future if it isn't addressed right away. In such a case, depending on how high the LDL levels really are, you may be prescribed some medication or require to make modifications to your lifestyle. But if the total cholesterol is high because of your higher HDL levels, it is not necessarily a bad thing - higher HDL cholesterol may be protective against heart disease.
Therefore, a question that arises here is, how can something which your body requires be dangerous? Well, not all cholesterol is considered harmful. There are three major components doctors assess when you take a blood test in order to check the cholesterol levels. They evaluate the HDL (good) cholestrol, LDL(bad) cholestrol, and other substances known as triglycerides. Having accurate levels of each in the body is healthy.
However, the fact also remains that cholesterol can be injurious to your health if there is too much in your blood. The levels of your cholesterol depend on your lifestyle. Consuming lots of fats and then not doing sufficient amount of exercise can lead to high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is also a result of genetic makeup. People with a high cholesterol level need to keep it under control, and it can be even more vital for those who have extra risk factors. These risk factors include:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
Smoking
Age
Obesity
If you fall in any of the above groups, you can be at bigger risk of plaque upsurge in your arteries. Since plaque builds gradually, it can cause the arteries to narrow down. So your doctor might want you to obtain lower cholestrol levels in comparison to someone having high cholesterol alone. It is important to talk about all the risk factors when thinking about a cholesterol-management plan.
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Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.

Five Steps You Can Take To Prevent Heart Disease

Heart disease claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans every year and is the number one cause of death for both women and men in the United States. Although the statistics for this silent killer are very alarming, many cases of heart disease can be prevented if unhealthy lifestyles and habits are replaced with healthy lifestyles and habits before the disease has a chance to develop. Whether you have a family history of heart disease or not, you can protect yourself from this fatal disease if you follow five steps for heart disease prevention:
 Don't use tobacco or smoke
 Try to exercise for at least thirty minutes per day
 Consume a diet of heart-healthy foods
 Maintain a healthy body weight
 Receive regular health screenings
 Don't Use Tobacco or Smoke
 One of the most significant risk factors for heart disease is using tobacco or smoking. If you truly want to decrease your chances of developing heart disease, smoking and using tobacco are two habits that you must discard. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your blood vessels and your heart and can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). This condition in turn can lead to heart disease and heart attacks.
 The nicotine that is found in cigarette smoke narrows your blood vessels and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. This puts significant stress on the heart and puts you at greater risk for developing heart disease. If you currently smoke or use tobacco and are disheartened by this news, there is good news as well. Within one year of quitting your unhealthy tobacco and smoking habits, your heart disease risk will drop significantly, so it is never too late to change your habits for the better.
 Try to Exercise for at Least Thirty Minutes per Day
 It can be extremely difficult to fit in thirty minutes of exercise every day, especially if you are trying to juggle your time between family, work, school, and any other responsibilities that you have. However, regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease, so you should make time for it.
 Consume a Diet of Heart-Healthy Foods
 If you want to reduce your chances of developing heart disease, it is very important that you learn how to eat heart-healthy foods and avoid foods that may be harmful to your heart. You should try to limit your consumption of fat, salt, and cholesterol and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans.
 Maintain a Healthy Weight
 Excess weight puts a tremendous amount of strain on the heart and arteries and is a major risk factor for the development of many different health conditions, including heart disease. If you get plenty of exercise and eat a heart-healthy diet, you should have an easier time maintain a healthy body weight.
 Receive Regular Health Screenings
 If you regularly receive screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, you will be able to detect and manage the first warning signs of heart disease development. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to take the steps necessary to prevent heart disease from developing.
 If more people take the steps above for preventing heart disease, then this amount of lives that this silent killer claims each year will drop significantly.
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Lawrence Reaves writes for Cardiac Vascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates, surgeons who specialize in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgeries. If you would like more information on these docotrs visit <a href="http://www.cvtsa.com/ForPatients/C-410.html">http://www.cvtsa.com/ForPatients/C-410.html</a>