HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the human body and is also found in animal products .Cells need cholesterol to function. Unfortunately, any excess cholesterol in the blood builds up inside the arteries. Cholesterol deposits are major causes of heart attacks and strokes. A high cholesterol level in your blood is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The higher your cholesterol level, the higher the risk, however not every cholesterol is bad.

GOOD AND BAD CHOLESTEROL

‘Fat’ travels through your blood-stream attached to protein, in a combination called a LIPOPROTEIN. Two LIPOPROTEIN are the main carriers of  cholesterol ; Low – density Lipoprotein ( LDL) sometimes called bad cholesterol, and high –density Lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called good cholesterol.

LDL picks up cholesterol from the liver and delivers it to the cells. When more cholesterol is ready for delivery than the cells can take, LDL deposits the extra cholesterol on the artery walls. A lot of LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The HDL on the other hand removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and takes it to the liver. A lot of HDL cholesterol in your blood decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is a good idea for men to have their cholesterol checked by the age of 35 and age 45 for women. After that, testing every five years is appropriate. People with the following risk factors should have their cholesterol checked more often and they should start it at an early. age ;

·         Family history of early heart attack.

·         People that smoke.

·         High blood pressure or on high blood pressure medication.

·         Diabetes.

High cholesterol is one of the many factors that increase the risk for heart disease. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and lack of exercise also increase the risk of heart disease. For most people, a low-fat diet and exercise are all they need to lower their cholesterol. People who have very high cholesterol or heart disease may need medication as well as exercise and a low-fat diet to lower their cholesterol.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CHOLESTEROL

·         Eat less fat. Because a high – fat diet increases cholesterol, just cutting back on cholesterol is not enough. You must cut back on fats too.

·         Use a cooking oil that is cholesterol free.

·         Eat two or three servings of baked or broiled fish per week. Most fish contain omega 3 fatty acids that help lower blood cholesterol. In general, fish with darker flesh such as mackerel, salmon, and herring, for example have more omega3 oils.

·         Exercise more. Exercise increases your protective HDL cholesterol level.

·         Quit smoking to increase to increase your HDL levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

·         Lose weight. Losing even 5 to 10 pounds can increase HDL levels and lower your total cholesterol.