Cholesterol Management Can Save Your Life

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. You must start a cholesterol management program. If you do not take actions to lower high levels to normal healthy levels, you will be increasing your risk for heart disease

Excess amounts of cholesterol build up in the walls of your arteries. This restricts the flow of blood and can result in a heart attack or stroke. In order to manage your cholesterol you have to understand the difference between HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and a triglyceride. LDL cholesterol is known as the bad cholesterol. It is responsible for plaque formation in the walls of your arteries. The optimum LDL level is an amount less than 100mg/dL. HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol. It is responsible for getting rid of the bad LDL cholesterol. The best level for HDL is an amount higher than 60mg/dL. Triglycerides are another form of bad fat and are carried in your blood by lipoproteins just like cholesterol. High levels are dangerous to your health. An ideal amount is less than 150mg/dL. Your objective is to lower your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increasing your HDL levels.

Cholesterol can be managed and controlled. It requires the following action plan: no smoking, losing weight, effective exercise program, controlling your high blood pressure, controlling your diabetes, following a healthy diet plan. If these steps do not provide results for you, you may have to take cholesterol lowering medication. Regular blood work to determine your lipid profile is required. This wills show you how much work you have to do and if your course of action is effective.

A crucial part of your management program is dietary control. This means a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Your diet should include a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil, canola oil and flaxseed. You should eat nuts such as: almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids should be an integral part of your diet. Make a habit of eating cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Your diet should also include soluble fiber, fruits and vegetables. It's not easy to try and manage your cholesterol, but it can save your life.

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