|
Know Your Numbers
The only way to accurately measure your blood lipids is through
a simple blood test taken after you have fasted overnight. Have
your cholesterol checked every 3-5 years unless you have a known
problem with your cholesterol. The test should measure your total
cholesterol, HDL level, and triglycerides (another blood lipid).
| Cholesterol |
a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential to the body.
It nourishes the cell’s membranes, insulates the nerves,
helps produce some hormones, and aids the liver in digesting
food. |
| Dietary Cholesterol |
found in the foods we eat that are animal by-products, such
as meat and dairy products. Dietary cholesterol many influence
your blood cholesterol levels. |
| Blood Cholesterol |
found in the body. About 80% come from the liver and 20%
from the foods you eat. |
| High Density Lipoproteins |
HDLs known as “good cholesterol.” HDLs contain
a high level of proteins. They pick up cholesterol deposited
on the artery walls and take them to the liver for removal. |
| Low Density Lipoproteins |
LDLs known as “bad cholesterol.” LDLs contain
a high level of lipids. Too many LDLs can lead to heart disease.
Without a high level of HDLs relative to LDLs, cholesterol cannot
properly be removed from the arteries. The result is atherosclerosis
(narrowing of the arteries). |
Cholesterol Chart (These values are
for those without known heart disease.)
| |
Desirable |
Borderline |
High |
| Total |
<200 |
200-239 |
>240 |
| LDL |
<100 |
101-159 |
>160 |
| Triglycerides |
<150 |
* |
* |
HDL
men
women |
>45
>55 |
*
* |
*
* |
* No values specified.
Your Best Defense Against High Cholesterol
A healthy diet and
regular exercise are important in avoiding high cholesterol. Changes
in these lifestyle factors alone can lower cholesterol by as much
as 15%. However, some people have a genetic predisposition that
may not respond to diet and exercise. In this situation, people
need to see a physician for individualized treatment.
Recommendations
for Eating and Exercising
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