What Cholesterol Really Is
Today's health gurus spend plenty of time talking about cholesterol. You might be surprised to find out that this substance is actually necessary for the body. It is used to build cell walls that help the body produce necessary substances like hormones and bile. However, the body doesn't need much cholesterol to function properly. When it begins to build up, it can have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system specifically and the rest of the body overall.
Too Much of a Good Thing
The good cholesterol becomes a problem when there are too much and the body is unable to eliminate this excess from the system. The excess cholesterol then builds up as a plaque in the arteries and in doing so blocks the flow of blood.
Hindering the blood flow cause our heart to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. The additional strain on the heart is what causes the risk of a heart attack.
This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.
What Types Are There
There is more than one type of cholesterol found in the body. The first is low density lipoproteins, or LDL. LDL delivers cholesterol to the body, so the lower the number of LDL, the better for the patient. High density lipoproteins, or HDL, help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.
Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.
You can talk to your doctor about what good cholesterol levels are and how you can achieve or maintain them. - 17268
Too Much of a Good Thing
The good cholesterol becomes a problem when there are too much and the body is unable to eliminate this excess from the system. The excess cholesterol then builds up as a plaque in the arteries and in doing so blocks the flow of blood.
Hindering the blood flow cause our heart to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. The additional strain on the heart is what causes the risk of a heart attack.
This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.
What Types Are There
There is more than one type of cholesterol found in the body. The first is low density lipoproteins, or LDL. LDL delivers cholesterol to the body, so the lower the number of LDL, the better for the patient. High density lipoproteins, or HDL, help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.
Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.
You can talk to your doctor about what good cholesterol levels are and how you can achieve or maintain them. - 17268
About the Author:
Aaron Black is a health expert and blogger. If you have ever asked the question how do I lower my cholesterol or want more information on natural cures for high cholesterol you can find the answers on Cholesterol Natural Remedies.com
posted by X - Men at
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