The Differences Between Good And Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a component of our body that we produce on our own and also get from food. It is normal for everybody to have some amount of cholesterol in their blood stream and it is also very essential. We use this substance for the production of cell membranes, hormones and for other functions of our body. It is a waxy substance and this is what is risky about having too much of it in our bloodstream. An accumulation of too much cholesterol can lead to a heart attack, coronary heart disease or a stroke.
Important Components
The cholesterol in our blood is composed of low-density lipoprotein (bad), high density lipoprotein (good), triglycerides and Lp(a). Low density lipoprotein and triglycerides can be dangerous for our body when they have elevated levels. These tend to coat out bloodstream causing our arteries to narrow, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Lp(a) is a form of bad cholesterol that is passed down through our genes. Just like the triglycerides and LDL, this can contribute to narrowing our arteries and adding to the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
Treating High Levels
Since our bodies produce our own cholesterol and we also get it from the food that we eat, lowering our levels should be as easy as not eating foods that are rich in bad cholesterol. Actually, eating the right foods are just the beginning of lowering your LDL levels.
If you are overweight, it is also essential that you lose weight and exercise regularly. Exercising regularly is not only to keep you trim and to keep your weight down, but it also helps to circulate your blood. Keeping your cholesterol level in check will also necessitate a diet low in saturated fats.
If these lifestyle changes do not have any effect on the cholesterol levels of the individual, medication may be introduced as an alternative. These are effective in maintaining the levels of cholesterol that an individual needs to be healthy but there is also a need for constant monitoring of the foods that the individual consumes as well as regular exercise.
You can have your cholesterol levels checked through a blood test. The blood test will list down in detail the levels of your low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, triglycerides and other components that need monitoring. For your good health, it is best to have regular check ups and blood testing.
