High cholesterol problems

In order to overcome high cholesterol problems, you must follow “Know your enemy” rule.

Following this rule, you must learn what cholesterol is. So, cholesterol is a very important fatty substance formed naturally by your body.

Because, about 60% of your total body weight is water and cholesterol (like other fats) can’t mix with water; consequently, it will not dissolve in blood. That is why cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins and transported throughout the body via blood stream.

You should have a good idea about the most important two lipoproteins; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered bad because it finally causes atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels).

While the other important lipoprotein is high-density lipoprotein (HDL); it is known as “good cholesterol” because it actually cleans the inner wall of blood vessels.

Most of high cholesterol problems are manifestations of Atherosclerosis complications. Furthermore, these complications differ incredibly according to the likelihood area of the atherosclerotic blood vessels and the severity of Atherosclerosis.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is also one of high cholesterol problems. If you have a previous cardio-vascular disease (heart attack or angina), or if high cholesterol runs in your family, you should strongly consider visiting your physician regularly to measure your total cholesterol level to avoid high cholesterol problems.

Your goal must be to have a total cholesterol level less than 5mmol/l, and to lower LDL level to below 3mmol/l in your blood. If you are at high risk of cardiac diseases, you should adjust your total cholesterol level to 4mmol/l and your LDL level to 2mmol/l.

You can prevent high cholesterol problems by proper treatment of high cholesterol , which includes changing some of your lifestyle (concerning your diet and doing exercise), combined with prescribed drugs to lower high cholesterol.

-Your diet must be full of healthy food . You must avoid eating foods rich in saturated fatty acids, like red meat, eggs, backings, cheese….etc

-Your diet must be rich in soluble fibers (they lower cholesterol by trapping it in the intestine and prevent its absorption to blood), which can be found in vegetables, fruits, and beans. You must at least eat 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily.

-Plant sterols/stanols are natural substances known with their effect on lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

-You must keep your weight normal; obesity raises LDL level and lowers HDL level in your blood. Practicing any type of sports will help you to lose excess weight.

-Of course, you must quit smoking and alcohol

The need of taking medicines which lower cholesterol increases when you are at high risk of getting a heart disease. The most popular prescribed drugs are:

• Statins, they lower cholesterol level in the blood by lowering cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

• Fibrates

• Nicotinic acid

• Drugs to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol.

As you may probably see, prevention is better than curing. If you know the causes high cholesterol and take the right precautions, for sure you will be safe of further problems.

What is recently discussed in the Cholesterol Questions and Answers Room:

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