Hdl Ldl
Effects Of High Cholesterol
Compare Statins Hdl Ldl
How To Decreas Your Triglycerides
Lower High Triglycerides
Cholesterol
HDL LDL
foods for lowering ldl
Statins are the most effective type of cholesterol lowering medication when it comes to lowering the LDL in blood. High cholesterol levels of LDL cause plaque buildup in the arterial walls, when too much plaque gathers in the arteries, blood cannot get to vital organs such as the heart or brain and the result is a heart attack, heart disease or a stroke. Let your doctor perform the required tests to determine if it is necessary for you to undergo treatment or not. With a healthy lifestyle, your heart and brain will be able to get the blood they need and you will be one step closer to living a longer, healthier life. * Have regular check ups.
high cholesterol foods chart
What is the Best High Cholesterol Medication? Animal products are the main source of saturated fats but vegetables too carry these. If the bloodstream contains too much LDL it can begin to build up in the arterial walls and can block precious blood from reaching the heart, brain and other important parts of the body, causing plaque to form. The benefit of HDL cholesterol results in less cholesterol within the blood stream, and a high level of it would then reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, heart problems due to the build-up of cholesterol, and strokes.
There are a few different names for cholesterol tests such as total cholesterol, lipid tests, lipoprotein test or lipid profile. These tests all do essentially the same thing, which is measure the amount of cholesterol or triglycerides in serums (blood).
Preparing For And Taking A Cholesterol Test
It is advisable to fast for nine to twelve hours before you go to the lab for a cholesterol test. Only water should be ingested during the fasting period because any other substances can possibly affect the test results. For adults, no other preparation is necessary. For infants and children requiring testing, explaining the steps of blood collection will help relieve some anxiety, but infants may still need to be restrained.
A sample of blood is needed to perform a total cholesterol test. For a quick simple test a lancet is used to prick a finger and a small amount of blood is applied to a test strip, slide or other small container. The results for this type of test can take mere minutes.
A more detailed cholesterol test requires more blood so the sample must extracted from a vein using a needle and collected in an airtight vial or syringe. It can take several days to get the results from this type of test.
Total Cholesterol Level Test Results
The results of a cholesterol test will help your doctor decide what treatments, if any, are necessary to reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke. Normal levels of total cholesterol are less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), while 200-239 mg/dl is considered borderline high and any reading 240 mg/dl or higher is considered high.
Cholesterol test results, other than total cholesterol, will give you the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Doctors Orders
Depending on the results of your cholesterol test your doctor may first prescribe that a new diet that is low in fat and cholesterol. Increasing the amount and frequency of regular exercise can also help lower your total cholesterol number. As always, smoking cessation is advised not only to control cholesterol levels but also to improve your health in general.
But if these lifestyle changes do not bring your total cholesterol levels into a normal range, prescription medications may be necessary. These drugs, known as statins, come in a variety of brand names. Your doctor has many choices and will advise you about potential side effects of any he may prescribe.
To truly get your cholesterol numbers under control and reduce your risks of premature heart attack or stroke you must watch your diet, exercise regularly and take your medicines as directed.