High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation. Knowing the levels of cholesterol in the blood is the prevention of the disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by many cells in the body, and about a quarter of cholesterol produced in the body is produced by liver cells. Basically, the body needs cholesterol to stay healthy.
Examination of cholesterol levels should be performed periodically in order to monitor the overall health condition. So, when should we start screening cholesterol levels? If you smoke, have excess weight, high blood pressure, diabetes and no family history of heart disease, you should start screening from the age of 20 years.
However, if you do not smoke and do not suffer from these diseases may examination beginning at age 35 years. If the results are normal, you can re-checked every 5 years. But, if you have a high cholesterol level, checks should be done more often. Moreover, if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease and kidney disorders.
There are two types of cholesterol, the good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol (HDL-High Density Lipoprotein) serves to prevent atheroma or narrowing of blood vessels due to fat. While the bad cholesterol (LDL-Low Density Lipoprotein) is one of the main causes atheroma formation. In addition to good and bad cholesterol, there is another form of fat in the blood called triglycerides.
Atheroma itself is the trigger for heart disease, also known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atheroma is a fatty plaques that accumulate in the arterial walls of blood vessels. After months, even years, the plaque thickens and extends. At that moment, the blood vessels become clogged and makes the blood flow is not smooth. This condition can lead to heart attack, stroke, or other serious problems.
The cholesterol level of each person is different, depending on what is consumed. In addition, everyone can have a different cholesterol levels despite consuming the same food. In some people, high cholesterol can only be caused by genetic factors.
Before the examination of cholesterol level, you should fast for 9-12 hours in advance. Measurement of cholesterol carried by knowing how many milligrams (mg) of cholesterol contained in each deciliter (dL) of blood.
The following are normal levels for the types of cholesterol in the blood.
- Good cholesterol: The higher the level of good cholesterol, or HDL, the better for the health. This is because HDL protects against heart disease. An HDL level of at least 60 mg / dL or more can help reduce the risk of heart disease. In contrast, HDL levels less than 40 mg / dL actually raise the risk of heart disease.
- Bad cholesterol: Due to the nature of evil, LDL or bad cholesterol should be at a low level or tolerable body, which is less than 100 mg / dL. Number of LDL 100-129 mg / dL can be considered as the threshold of tolerance. If it exceeds the amount of bad cholesterol can cause a variety of health problems such as atheroma, heart disease, and stroke. Number of LDL 130-159 mg / dL can be said to enter the high threshold, and if the number had reached 160-189 mg / dL has entered a high level. While the number of LDL 190 mg / dL and above all, already at a very high level.
- Triglycerides: These fats may also increase the risk of heart disease. So, the lower the level of triglycerides, it will be good for health. Total triglycerides 150-199 mg / dL can be said to be in the high threshold, and an amount of 200 mg / dL or more, including high triglyceride levels. Some people require treatment if you have high levels of triglycerides in both those levels.
- Total cholesterol: total cholesterol is a combination of the amount of good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides in each deciliter of blood. Usually, by looking at the total and HDL cholesterol levels alone can describe the general conditions of your cholesterol levels.
However, if a total cholesterol of 200 mg / dL or more, or HDL less than 40 mg / dL, you need to perform a complete examination that includes LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol levels less than 200 mg / dL can be tolerated. Total cholesterol levels of 200-239 mg / dL has entered the high threshold. If you reach 240 mg / dL or more, including high cholesterol levels.
List of food to keep cholesterol levels
To maintain normal cholesterol levels, avoid foods that contain trans fats. These fats can be found in fried foods, margarine and snacks such as biscuits. Here are some foods that you can take to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon and tuna, are rich in omega 3 which is good for the heart.
- Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber that can lower bad cholesterol levels. Within a day, you need at least 5-10 grams of soluble fiber. One half cup of oatmeal that has been cooked contains about 6 grams of fiber. You can add fruit on the oatmeal to enrich the flavor.
- Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and others can reduce the risk of heart disease. You can replace fatty foods like cheese and meat with beans.
- Olive oil contains antioxidants that can lower bad cholesterol levels. Use two tablespoons of olive oil a day to a salad or dish.
Keeping the intake of nutritious foods in order to limit the levels of bad cholesterol is good, but a step to living a healthy lifestyle is also equally important. Begin to quit-old bad habits, such as smoking and consuming alcohol. Instead, start familiarize yourself to exercise regularly.
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Writen by:
Solmob - Saturday, August 27, 2016
