Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again, people. The time when many set up an appointment for a lipid profile and modify their lifestyle in order to curb their LDL levels. The time when a juicy burger is substituted for an organic salad, and time to dust off the ole treadmill. No, this is not about New Year’s resolutions; this is about Cholesterol Education Month.
Every September, health professionals bring the dangers of poor dieting into the light with a whole month dedicated to teaching people about cholesterol. Medicines, exercising plans and other recommendations are posted on various sources to raise awareness.
The condition known globally as high cholesterol is an epidemic in the United States. Over 102 million American adults are living with this and only one-third of them actually get treatment. If left unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to a multitude of health problems like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Unfortunately, high cholesterol is not limited to adults. Children that suffer from obesity, diabetes, or any sort of exposure to tobacco are at risk for this condition. Teens and young adults should also get screened every five years for preventive measures.
Despite the common belief that cholesterol is harmful in general, that is simply not the case. There are two types of cholesterol found in the body: HDL (High-density lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-density lipoprotein). HDL is the good one, providing cells with nutrients to keep them alive while its evil twin LDL blocks arteries with plaque while cackling and twirling its moustache.
Having an artery clogged is only a small danger when it comes to having high levels of LDL. If a piece of plaque were to break off, it would be carried throughout the bloodstream until it would get stuck, and as a result, a stroke or heart attack can occur.
Although it is best to keep a low LDL level, the ideal levels differ depending on a person’s susceptibility to heart disease. 130 mg/dL is the recommended target for the average American, but an individual that is at risk for heart disease should keep their levels below 100 mg/dL, while an individual at very high risk must keep their levels below 70 mg/dL.
Another danger of having high cholesterol is its lack of symptoms—you could have it right now and never truly know it. Because of this, health professionals advise patients to get a lipid profile (or a screening), especially if cholesterol problems are hereditary.
Thankfully, there are four different ways to fend off this condition:
1. Engaging in at least thirty minutes of physical activity a day can help keep cholesterol from rising. Preferred exercises are walking, jogging, biking and even gardening.
2. Keeping a healthy weight is a must. Being overweight or obese increases the amount of LDL in the blood.
3. Abstain from smoking, or quit as soon as possible. Cigarette smoke lowers HDL levels, increasing the chances of blood clots forming and damaging blood vessels.
4. Avoiding non-fatty foods is also a good strategy. Lean cuts of meat, oatmeal, fish and raw nuts are but a few healthy choices. Studies also show that consuming the chemical known as “flavonoids,” found in dark chocolate and red wine, lowers LDL levels (just keep the term “moderation” in mind).
For some, high cholesterol is an easy thing to manage, but for others it can be difficult. So hopefully this information can help those who are struggling to live a healthier lifestyle.
It’s that time of year again, people. The time when many set up an appointment for a lipid profile and modify their lifestyle in order to curb their LDL levels. The time when a juicy burger is substituted for an organic salad, and time to dust off the ole treadmill. No, this is not about New Year’s resolutions; this is about Cholesterol Education Month.
The condition known globally as high cholesterol is an epidemic in the United States. Over 102 million American adults are living with this and only one-third of them actually get treatment. If left unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to a multitude of health problems like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Unfortunately, high cholesterol is not limited to adults. Children that suffer from obesity, diabetes, or any sort of exposure to tobacco are at risk for this condition. Teens and young adults should also get screened every five years for preventive measures.
Despite the common belief that cholesterol is harmful in general, that is simply not the case. There are two types of cholesterol found in the body: HDL (High-density lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-density lipoprotein). HDL is the good one, providing cells with nutrients to keep them alive while its evil twin LDL blocks arteries with plaque while cackling and twirling its moustache.
Having an artery clogged is only a small danger when it comes to having high levels of LDL. If a piece of plaque were to break off, it would be carried throughout the bloodstream until it would get stuck, and as a result, a stroke or heart attack can occur.
Although it is best to keep a low LDL level, the ideal levels differ depending on a person’s susceptibility to heart disease. 130 mg/dL is the recommended target for the average American, but an individual that is at risk for heart disease should keep their levels below 100 mg/dL, while an individual at very high risk must keep their levels below 70 mg/dL.
Another danger of having high cholesterol is its lack of symptoms—you could have it right now and never truly know it. Because of this, health professionals advise patients to get a lipid profile (or a screening), especially if cholesterol problems are hereditary.
Thankfully, there are four different ways to fend off this condition:
1. Engaging in at least thirty minutes of physical activity a day can help keep cholesterol from rising. Preferred exercises are walking, jogging, biking and even gardening.
2. Keeping a healthy weight is a must. Being overweight or obese increases the amount of LDL in the blood.
3. Abstain from smoking, or quit as soon as possible. Cigarette smoke lowers HDL levels, increasing the chances of blood clots forming and damaging blood vessels.
4. Avoiding non-fatty foods is also a good strategy. Lean cuts of meat, oatmeal, fish and raw nuts are but a few healthy choices. Studies also show that consuming the chemical known as “flavonoids,” found in dark chocolate and red wine, lowers LDL levels (just keep the term “moderation” in mind).
For some, high cholesterol is an easy thing to manage, but for others it can be difficult. So hopefully this information can help those who are struggling to live a healthier lifestyle.
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