Myth: Only heart attacks can occur when cholesterol levels are high.
In addition to a heart attack, an individual with high levels of cholesterol can suffer from a stroke as well. This is because plaque can build up not only in the coronary arteries but also in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood clot is formed in these arteries and the blood supply and oxygen supply to the brain is blocked.
Myth: Drugs are the only means of lowering cholesterol.
As far as possible, especially when you are young, taking drugs to lower cholesterol should be avoided, as once you begin taking drugs it may be a lifelong process. It should only be an option in the management of cholesterol for individuals with extremely high levels. The best means of lowering cholesterol are by eating a healthy well balanced diet and maintaining a regular exercise program.
Myth: Heart disease can be prevented by using Olive oil.
Olive oil a vegetable oil is definitely healthier than using butter, but it must be remembered that even vegetable oils have a high percentage of trans fatty acids and in turn can increase the level of triglycerides and cholesterol.
Myth: Women will not be affected by cholesterol.
Women are affected by cholesterol but to a lesser extent than men are. Women's cholesterols levels are low from teenage to middle age. The level of cholesterol seems to increase in women when menopause begins. Researchers have therefore come to the conclusion that the female hormone estrogen has a great role to play in it as from teenage to middle age there is a continuous production of this hormone but when menopause begins, that is when the hormone is not produced by the body any more. It is also found that older women tend to have higher cholesterol levels.
Myth: Some food products bear the label "No cholesterol". This product is then a healthy food to consume.
This is not true. Just because the product says no cholesterol it doesn't mean to say that it does not contain saturated fats and trans fatty acids both of which are responsible for bad cholesterol or LDL.
Myth: The use of Statins in the treatment of lowering cholesterol can prolong an individuals' lives.
Today, the most commonly used drugs in lowering cholesterol are statins or cholesterol blockers. The production of cholesterol in the liver is slowed down by these statins by interfering with the enzyme that is needed for producing cholesterol. Damage to the liver is the most common side effect of statins, along with muscle pain and weakness, hair loss in women, fatigue etc., In some instances it causes individuals not to be able to walk. These statins cause the blockage of the production of or lower the level of the coenzyme Q10 which is important in supplying energy to the brain and muscles. Statins are known to reduce the level of LDL in every individual who takes it, but, only middle aged men benefit from the fact that it lowers the death rate from coronary heart disease.
Myth: Total Cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl is considered too high.
There is great controversy over what is high and what is not. According to some, the total cholesterol level considered normal can range from 200 mg/dl to 220mg/dl to 240 mg/dl to 260 mg/dl from individual to individual. Today what is being considered as more important is the quality of the bad cholesterol or LDL particles. Some LDL particles tend to be big and fluffy and some particles tend to be small and dense. The smaller and denser particles have a better chance of being trapped to the arterial walls than the big and fluffy particles. Research has shown that moderate exercising does improve the quality of bad cholesterol or LDL.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to cholesterol.guide-for-you.com Cholesterol
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