You were just told that your cholesterol is high, and you go into a state of semi-panic. Your first concern is that you don't want to develop heart disease. So your doctor tells you to go onto medication such as lipitor or another statin drug.
Let's step back for a second and understand the ramifications of a high cholesterol.
In the early 1970's, a major study was performed in the small town of Framington, Mass. Recruiting over 5,000 participants the study is now in its third generation evaluating the effects of cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 2,400 people die every day of heart disease. But cholesterol isn't the last word in answering what causes heart disease. Everyone would agree that lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and the Standard American Diet (SAD) of fast foods, coffee and donuts, hamburgers and French fries, etc. etc. all play a major role in the development of heart disease, and it would be fitting for all of us to improve our lifestyles accordingly, before any signs of heart disease arise. By that time it may be too late.
Understanding Your Bloodwork
What are the indicators that one may be a candidate for heart disease? If we were to look at the cholesterol alone, we would not be getting the whole picture. We do need to look at the entire lipid panel to get the whole picture. There is the HDL, 'good' cholesterol, and the LDL, which is the 'bad' cholesterol. If the HDL is low, then chances are that your high cholesterol can be an ominous sign. Take a look at the Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio. If it is in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio, than the total cholesterol need not be a concern. If the HDL is low, there are measures to bring it up. My first recommendation is to make sure that you are getting sufficient aerobic exercise. Supplements such as garlic, omega-3 fish oil, and red yeast rice can be extremely beneficial in bringing up the 'good' cholesterol.
Other Factors Can Determine if You are at Risk
There are other warning signs that can be determined by your blood test. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) measures for inflammation in your blood. Even though this test can be positive for other reasons as well, people who have high CRP are twice as likely to be a candidate for heart disease.
We are told that diet is a major cause of high cholesterol. Yet, many people improve their diets by reducing their cholesterol intake and their cholesterol remains high. We have to be aware that the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol, and if we drastically lower our cholesterol intake, our liver will compensate and produce cholesterol on it own. Another indicator which can cause high cholesterol, for example is testosterone (a male hormone which is also found in females). Low testosterone has been shown to cause high cholesterol as well as a narrowing of the coronary arteries. It was also found that statin drugs can lower testosterone levels which in turn can raise the cholesterol.
Statin Drugs
If you are taking statin drugs, it is recommended that you supplement your diet with CoQ 10. Statin drugs drains the CoQ 10 which is necessary for proper heart function. Researchers have found that healthy hearts have adequate amount of CoQ 10, and when there is a lack of CoQ10, heart disease will be likely to develop.
Let's get back to basics. Follow a healthy-diet-plan-review.com heart healthy diet, quit smoking, and exercise, and you will be able to strengthen your heart, improve your energy, and live a more fulfilling life.
Dr. Stanley Miller is a practicing holistic chiropractor, educator and writer specializing in the field of diet and nutrition. He helps clients and readers improve their health by showing them optimum diet, and essential nutrient supplementation. Go to healthy-diet-plan-review.com healthy-diet-plan-review.com to download a 21 page Free Report: "8 Ways to Looking Good and Feeling Great!"
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