Vitamin to Lower Cholesterol
Having level of cholesterol may lead to heart disease. Heart disease can gradually develop as a person ages and as one continues to maintain a very high cholesterol level.
There are several medications available in the market today that aim to lower cholesterol levels. They are grouped in different classes most notable of which are HMG-CoA Inhibitors or otherwise known as “statins”. The drugs belonging in this group try to block the enzyme HMG-CoA, which functions as one of the steps required to convert fat into cholesterol. Statins are known to be the most effective cholesterol lowering agent to date and have become a great help to people requiring drastic reduction of their cholesterol levels.
Basics of Cholesterol Numbers
Understand the meaning of cholesterol numbers will benefit you in many ways. People above 20 years old are recommended to undergo the cholesterol level test(lipoprotein profile) at least once in every five years. This test includes taking blood sample from the patient in order to find out his cholesterol numbers. The lipoprotein profile includes the following: LDL or bad cholesterol, HDL or good cholesterol, Triglycerides or the fats from foods, and the Total Cholesterol which is composed of the other 3 profiles.
Cholesterol Management
Cholesterol management is deliberately aimed to assist patients in managing their own cholesterol treatment options. The first step in any cholesterol management program though is for the patient to understand his risk. Risk assessment will help one be able to adapt to the program more properly.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is a kind of lipoprotein that also acts as cholesterol carrier in the blood. The LDL cholesterol has the tendency to build up on the walls of the blood vessels suppressing flow of blood over time. Eventually the hardening of the arteries will result in a heart attack or stroke.
HDL Cholesterol
Some studies have identified low HDL cholesterol level as a risk factor for heart disease itself. This means that even if the total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are normal, a low HDL cholesterol level will still be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Normal HDL level is 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
Basic of Cholesterol Diet
Cholesterol diet is a good choice for anyone who has heart disease. Cholesterol diet is a low fat diet that will reduce your blood cholesterol level. It will decrease the chance of having a heart attacks and other heart disease.
The first step in your cholesterol diet is to minimize your intake of the day’s total saturated fat calorie by 7% and fat by 25-35 percent. Limit your sodium intake by 2400 milligrams daily. You must have enough calories for you to maintain a healthy weight and your blood cholesterol level. Ask your physician or dietitian to what is your appropriate calorie level. Read more
