Cholesterol is basically produced by our own body. It is the waxy substance found in the walls of cells, the nervous system, liver, and heart. They travel through the blood stream with the help of lipoproteins which are mainly consist of lipids in the inside and proteins outside.
Even so, the cholesterol level in the body needs to be in adequate level. This is because when the level of cholesterol becomes too much, the excess fats form into plaques which typically ensnare into artery walls, therefore blocking blood vessels and coronary arteries in which the heart belongs. When this happens, as this waxy substance travel through the bloodstream, the too much excess of fat will hinder the blood from carrying enough oxygen needed for us to breathe, which is why most people who have high cholesterol level experience chest pains and angina. This condition also leads to the narrowing and hardening of arteries, a condition medically known as arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is also one of the major factors that lead to coronary heart diseases and coronary artery diseases which are known to cause stroke and heart attack among many American, both male and female.
Hence, it is highly recommended to check cholesterol level especially upon reaching the age of 20 and beyond. Through the use of lipoprotein profile, you will know your LDL, HDL, and Triglyceride level in the body in as short as 9 to 12 hours.
The Difference Between LDL And HDL
Not all cholesterols in the blood are bad. In fact, they are divided into two categories, one that is bad and the other is good. Bad cholesterols are known as low density lipoprotein or LDL. These are groups of lipoprotein which are responsible for the transport of cholesterol in the blood. However, because of its higher cholesterol composite in comparison to the amount of protein, LDL is mainly associated with the increased risk of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Meanwhile, the high density lipoproteins or HDL are considered as the good cholesterols. They are groups of lipoprotein that also travel through the bloodstream; however, the only difference is that they contain more protein in comparison to the amount of cholesterol. HDL basically works to take cholesterol from the liver and other tissues. When the level of HDL in the body is higher than LDL, a person may be far from the risk of developing heart disease and any other related coronary diseases.
Risk Factors of High Cholesterol
The following are the main factors that trigger cholesterol level to go beyond the required amount in the body.
- Unhealthy lifestyle – This is well elaborated by a person who care less about the benefits and diet and exercise. Along with this, a person is too much associated with alcoholism or drug abuse. In truth simply seating around and sleeping all the time will not help burn the excess fats that were stored in the body. As time goes by, when these fats become too much than the body could handle, it will in turn harm the person’s health with the risk of having high cholesterol level.
- Saturated fat intakes and calories – Most of the times, people love to eat sweets, candies, chocolates, and many more. Meanwhile the availability of can goods and other ready to eat foods have made life so easy that people simply depend on them for meal. In truth, these foods actually contain high calories and saturated fats which cause high cholesterol level.
- Unhealthy eating habit – It is always good to eat three times a day. Even when in a diet, people still do eat three times a day but with an adequate serving and proper nutrients and minerals contents. Thus, eating habit becomes unhealthy when a person does have a healthy a balance det. This is well elaborated in a situation in which the person eats more fun foods compare to fresh fruits and vegetables; not eating on time, taking more carbohydrates than the other significant minerals such as protein that comes from meat, magnesium, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals that come from fruits and vegetables.
- Lack of exercise – Exercise is the most efficient means to burn fat. Lack of exercise then makes a person feel tired and untidy, the main cause of low endurance during activities.
- Excessive drinking – Alcohol contains large calories that the body is not able to burn quickly. When this happens, aside that it contributes to the production of too much bad cholesterol in the body, the alcohol content that runs through the bloodstream will contribute to the risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Age – It is very noticeable that women with older age usually suffer from the consequence of having high cholesterol. Aside that reason has main connection on how older people had lived their life in their younger years; the diminishing of hormone estrogen in women during menopausal also leads to the surge of cholesterol level.
Two Main Ways to Lower Your High Cholesterol Level
There are two main ways to lower down high cholesterol level, the natural ways and the use of prescription drugs. Depending on the person, each has different effects on the body.
Natural Way - The natural way of lowering down high cholesterol level mainly starts on the person’s initiative and determination to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes following a heart-healthy dietary plan and executing daily exercise to boost up energy and maintain strong muscles. The natural of lowering high cholesterol level in the body also takes advantage in taking herbal medicines as supplementary to drugs such as garlic powder or teas with gingko biloba extract, olive oil extract, and many more. Aside from this, natural way of lowering down elevated cholesterol level prefers consumption of fresh fruits that contain nutrients and minerals which are known to combat the bad effects of high cholesterol level such as fiber, potassium, and magnesium. According to experts, although the effect of this kind of method may take too long and may also need a lifetime association, it is known to have no side effects and is better effective than any other medication.
Drugs - Science also has its own special means of cutting down high cholesterol level in the body. Drugs like statins, lecithin, and bile acid sequestrants are basically prescribed by doctors to act on particular parts of the body and control the further elevation of cholesterol level although the person is not actually maintaining a heart-healthy diet. These are basically prescribed to hasten then treatment especially when the person’s life is already at threat. When taken for a long period of time, drugs can also bring side effects especially to the parts of the stomach as they are very acidic. However, they are best effective when taken along with the natural way of lowering down cholesterol.
