Understanding Cholesterol & Heart Health
March 22, 2010 by Michelle Hamor Smith
Filed under Featured, General
Cholesterol is a bad thing, right? Apparently not always. I read a piece on Everyday Health called “The Truth Behind Six Cholesterol Myths,” and here’s what I learned, in a nutshell….
*The body needs a certain amount of Cholesterol to operate properly.
*Cholesterol becomes a problem when the liver is no longer able to keep up with the consumption of it. At this point, it begins to build up in the arteries, which can lead to blockages, and possible stroke or heart attack.
*Your diet is only one factor when it comes to Cholesterol. Genetics influence how well your liver is able to remove excess Cholesterol. That is why many people need medication to help with regulation.
*Children can have high Cholesterol. This can lead to earlier onset of vascular disease.
*There is no magic number when it comes to Cholesterol levels. If you have no risk factors (smoker, diabetes, high blood pressures) then shoot for an LDL below 160 mg/dl. Some risk factors, then shoot for an LDL below 130 mg/dl. Previous heart disease issues or diabetes means you should work to get below an LDL of 100 mg/dl.
*Get your Cholesterol checked at least once a year.
Image credit: SXC.hu
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Great reminder!
Thanks!
Don’t forget the “good” cholesterol. Is that the HDL?? Whatever it is, “they” have recommendations for those levels too. I’ve heard that fish oil, omega 3-stuff and exercise encourage the good cholesterol.
Yes, HDL is the good kind and LDL is the bad kind. I just started taking a Flax seed oil supplement that is high in the omega-3s.