| Know Your Number: How to Decrease Your Risk for Heart Disease |
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| Written by Diet Detective Editorial Staff | |
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Some risk factors for heart disease are totally out of our hands, such
as age or genetics. One factor we have some control over, however, is
cholesterol. Heart disease risk is a combination of many factors - some of which we can control such as body weight, smoking and diet and others we cannot control such as age and genetics. One risk factor that you can change or control is high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are determined with a simple blood test, usually performed at a lab and under the direction of your health care provider. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood - this is the most common measure of blood cholesterol levels. Your doctor will be able to analyze the findings and determine what the results are and how to proceed. You may or may not be asked to fast prior to the blood test. When your blood cholesterol is measured the reading is broken down into different components known collectively as your "lipid profile." These individual components or "different types of cholesterol" give a clearer picture of what's happening in terms of your heart health. Cholesterol must be transported through the blood stream in special fat carrying particles called lipoproteins. The type of lipoprotein determines whether cholesterol is considered "good" or "bad. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are known as the "bad" cholesterol. LDL is responsible for carrying and depositing cholesterol in the artery walls (plaque) and clogging arteries. High levels of LDL are associated with increased risk for heart disease. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as the "good" cholesterol. HDL does NOT deposit cholesterol on artery walls. Instead it removes cholesterol from circulation by carrying it back to the liver so it can be eliminated. High levels of HDL are associated with LOWER levels of heart disease. The greater the ratio of HDL to LDL, the lower the risk or heart disease. Triglycerides travel with cholesterol and make up a part of your lipid profile. High levels of triglycerides may play a role in blocking arteries and are associated with increased risk for heart disease. What are normal and high cholesterol levels? Total Cholesterol: Low - Less than 200, Normal - 200-239, High - 240 and higher LDL Cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol): Low - Less than 130, Normal - 130-159, High - 160 and higher HDL Cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol): Desirable - 50 and higher, Normal - 40-49, Undesirable - Less than 40 Triglycerides: Desirable - Less than 200, Normal - 200-399, Undesirable - 400 and higher Why should I care about my cholesterol? It is the America's #1 killer. Heart disease can result in chest pain, blood clots, high blood pressure and a host of other complications. High cholesterol is a risk factor - but one you can control. Take advantage of this fact and do all you can to find out what your numbers are and how to improve them if they are high. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 July 2006 ) |
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