Hidden Truth About High Cholesterol
Julia Carmichael
Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol in common language, refers
to the condition that presents in the blood serum lipid profile
as cholesterol levels of more than 240 mg/dL (milligrams per
deciliter).
A cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is considered
desirable, whereas 200 - 240 mg/dL is considered moderately to
borderline high.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, chemically a sterol lipid,
that is an essential ingredients of many physiological body
functions, but spells danger to cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular health if it reaches high concentrations in the
blood.
Plaque Forms
With high cholesterol, these fatty substances stick to the
inner walls of large and medium-sized arteries. With time these
patches of deposits harden to form a plaque, leading to loss of
arterial wall elasticity and hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis).
The plaque also makes the interior space in the arteries
narrow, hindering blood flow to the heart, brain and kidneys.
Restricted blood flow causes a host of cardiovascular,
cerebrovascular and kidney diseases, such as heart attack,
stroke, paralysis, and kidney failure. These conditions can
cause death if the blockage is more than 70 - 80%. Athersclerosis
can affect arteries of other organs too.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
The condition of high cholesterol does not present any easily
recognizable symptoms of its own, so you could be suffering
from this condition for years without even being aware of it.
That is why it is important to get an annual blood lipid
profile done after age 35 or 40.
Sometimes high cholesterol gets detected while being diagnosed
for health problems arising from partial artery blockage, for
example, dizziness, vertigo, and high blood pressure. So, the
best way to keep your cholesterol levels under check is through
regular blood tests.
High Cholesterol
When one talks of high cholesterol, one talks of high LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol the so-called bad
cholesterol that promotes the build-up of plaque in the
arteries. But what causes the condition of high cholesterol to
develop?
Several factors bring on high cholesterol levels in the blood.
One of the most important is low HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
in the blood. This so-called good cholesterol helps to transport
excess cholesterol away from the arteries and tissues to the
liver for breakdown and disposal. But again, what causes the
HDL levels to become low?
The same elements that raise the bad cholesterol (LDL) level
can also lower the good cholesterol (HDL) level. For example,
dietary cholesterol from egg yolk, saturated fats from
whole-cream dairy products, and commercial bakery items, all
contribute to bad high cholesterol.
You can add organ meats and trans fats from deep-fried foods to
this list. Sadly, they do nothing to raise the HDL. Obesity
increases the LDL and total cholesterol, as well as decreases
the HDL, acting like a double-edged sword.
The Good News is...
But the good news is that regular physical exercise can also
play a dual role in fighting high cholesterol. That is, it
lowers the LDL and total cholesterol while raising the HDL at
the same time. Other than diet and obesity, sedentary
lifestyle, smoking and consuming too much alcohol also
contribute to high cholesterol.
Heredity and aging are two contributory factors that one does
not have much control over. But adopting an active lifestyle
and a low-cholesterol diet can make a difference. Your diet
should consist of healthy kinds of fats (polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated vegetable oils, omega-3 fats).
Also eat fiber-rich whole grains and cereals, and loads of
fresh fruits and vegetables. This diet can help you in
overcoming the problem of high cholesterol despite heredity and
age.
About The Author: Get the latest in high cholesterol know how
from the only true source at
http://www.lowercholesterollog.com . Check out our high
cholesterol pages.
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