Non-Cholestrol Weblog

Three Specific Ways On How To Lower Cholesterol

samuelhenly — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:21:47 +0000

When discussing ways on how to lower cholesterol, it is important to understand that cholesterol is needed by the body. Produced by the liver, the function of cholesterol combines with proteins in the blood stream to become lipoproteins. This process helps with the proper functioning of the metabolism of the body.

Also, there are two types of cholesterol found within the body. The first type of cholesterol is called HDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is healthy or good cholesterol found within the body. The second type of cholesterol is LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is categorized as bad because it is fatty in texture. This texture does not blend well within the blood stream which may result in the clogging of the arteries.

Therefore, it is the LDL cholesterol that a person needs to manage. This lowering of LDL cholesterol can be accomplished through a proper diet, exercise and medication.

Proper Diet

One of the best ways to answer the question of how to lower cholesterol is by managing one’s diet. Often high levels of LDL cholesterol can be attributed to a person’s ingestion of high fatty foods or foods that are high in saturated fats.

Specifically, foods that are high in saturated fats are foods processed from animals. Some of these foods can be cheeses, eggs, cream cheeses etc. In addition, red meat from animals and the eating of lamb can be high sources of bad cholesterol

In addition, if an individual is wondering how to lower cholesterol, they can find the answer by combining their shopping for food with reading. Specifically, the shopper should read the nutritional labels that are contained on the food packages. Often these labels will disclose the levels of cholesterol, saturated fats and fats that are contained in the product.

Exercise

Another important element to a person’s lifestyle that can be enhanced when wondering how to lower cholesterol is by establishing an exercise program or increasing an exercise program. Specifically, a person should concentrate on a good cardiovascular workout on a regular basis. Examples of this type of workout include walking, jogging, swimming, etc.

Medication

One additional method that can answer the question of how to lower cholesterol is through the use of medication. Through the use of medication the individual may be able to control cholesterol that is hereditary. In addition, there is medication on the market that will help to absorb the release of cholesterol found in the food that is eaten.

There are basically two medications that can be utilized and function in two separate ways. One medication works strictly with the liver and helps to minimize the production of cholesterol. The other type of medication works in the digestive tract and helps minimize the absorption of dietary cholesterol into the bloodstream.

Heart Attacks Links:

Blood Pressure Links:

Cholesterol Links:

The Three Categories Of Cholesterol Drugs

samuelhenly — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:15:05 +0000

Your blood work results have just come back from the lab and your physician is going over the results with you. The only bad news is that your LDL cholesterol is over the normal range and your HDL cholesterol is lower than what it should be. As part of the treatment plan, the doctor has decided to put you on a low fat diet, a vigorous cardiovascular exercise program and use of cholesterol drugs.

Because you want the treatment plan to be successful you listen intently as your physician shares about the three categories of cholesterol drugs that are available. Those three categories of cholesterol drugs are statin, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and bile-acid binding resin.

Statin Drugs

One of the cholesterol drugs that may be prescribed by a physician for a patient with high LDL cholesterol is the medication classified as a statin. The unique action of this cholesterol drug is that it works in concert with the liver and the gallbladder. This is because the liver is the organ in the body that produces cholesterol.

Specifically, this medication combines with the bile that is secreted by the gallbladder and the liver. This combination of bile with the action of the cholesterol drug works within the intestines. The resulting action makes the ingested fatty food more pliable which in turn allows for the food to be absorbed.

As with most drugs, this type of cholesterol drug may have associated side effects. Those effects could include the possibility of muscle aches.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Another type of cholesterol medication is known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. The function of this cholesterol drug helps to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol that is eaten by the individual. The action of this medication especially benefits those individuals who have high cholesterol, but may be experiencing liver problems.

Specifically, this type of cholesterol drug, within the digestive track, inhibits the absorption of cholesterol through the work of the small intestine. In addition, because of this action within the digestive system, there may be associated side effects. Some of the side effects can include stomach pain and fatigue.

Bile-Acid Binding Resin

The third cholesterol drug that is utilized to reduce elevated LDL cholesterol counts is the bile-acid binding resin. The similarities between this cholesterol drug and the statin cholesterol drug are similar in that they work in concert with the liver and gallbladder. In addition, like the statin cholesterol drug, the bile-acid binding resin adheres itself to the acid in the bile thus preventing absorption.

However, rather than making the food more digestible, the bile-acid binding resin cholesterol drug prevents absorption of the bile acids. In turn the cholesterol bound fatty food is expelled from the body through the digestive tract.

The use of this type of cholesterol drug may induce certain side effects. Those side effects can include gas, constipation, nausea and bloating.

Heart Attacks Links:

Blood Pressure Links:

No Need To Study: Cholesterol Test

samuelhenly — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:42:12 +0000

A cholesterol test is an important laboratory examination that tests a blood sample and provides a measurement of the patient’s cholesterol level. It is recommended that individuals over the age of 20 years old receive a cholesterol test every five years. As a patient grows older the frequency of testing may increase.

In understanding more about a cholesterol test, it is important to know what a cholesterol test is, what the test results mean and methods of treatment.

What Is A Cholesterol Test?

A cholesterol test is known as a lipid profile and generally measures the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels as well as the triglycerides. The test is conducted on the blood sample that is drawn by laboratory personnel through a doctor’s order.

The test is fairly painless with the only possibility of discomfort due to the insertion of a needle into the patients arm. The opposite end of the needle is inserted into a blood collection tube and the cholesterol test is performed on the blood sample.

In addition, the patient is asked to fast prior to the exam. This simply means that the patient should not eat any food 12 hours before the blood sample is to be collected.

What The Results Mean?

When the lab results come back from the medical laboratory there will be two figures that the doctor will be especially interested in. Those numbers will correspond to HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.

A good LDL cholesterol level should fall in the range of 200 mg or less. This is an optimal level and indicates that the patient is at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. If the LDL cholesterol level ranges from 200 to 239 mg this is considered as borderline. Unfortunately, if the LDL level is 240 mg or higher this indicates a high blood cholesterol level and puts the person at great risk for coronary heart disease.

In regards to the HDL level of cholesterol, less is not better. This means that for a man who has an HDL cholesterol level of 40 mg or less puts that individual at a greater risk for heart disease. This level for women corresponds to a level of 50 mg or less. An optimal HDL level reflected on the cholesterol test should be in the range of 60 mg. or above.

Treatment

There are three basic treatments that a doctor can take in regards to abnormal cholesterol test results. Those three responses can include ordering a low-fat diet, suggesting an exercise regimen and medication.

Often, when a cholesterol test indicates that the HDL and LDL levels of cholesterol are abnormal, the easiest treatment method of normalizing those levels of cholesterol is through diet. Often a doctor will prescribe a low-fat diet which means that the patient will need to eat less animal products. This diet will limit their use of eggs, cheeses, cream cheese, butter, etc. In addition the patient’s intake of red meat and lamb should be limited as well. It is also important that the patient does not eat large amounts of processed food which can contain high levels of saturated fatty foods.

In addition, another treatment method of normalizing cholesterol levels is through exercise. This exercise should be in the form of a highly stimulating cardiovascular exercise routine.

Finally, the doctor may be forced to prescribe medications. These medications can help to reduce or absorb high levels of cholesterol within the blood stream.

Heart Attacks Links:

Blood Pressure Links:

How Foods Low in Cholesterol can Keep us Healthy

samuelhenly — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:18:02 +0000

Foods that are high in cholesterol increase the chances of the blood vessels in the body becoming clogged. Foods that are low in cholesterol and high in fiber keep cholesterol at the appropriate levels and help to keep the free from fat. High fiber foods soak up cholesterol and foods low in cholesterol can help to lower the chances of heart disease developing.

A good diet consists of foods that are low in fat which in turn helps to keep cholesterol levels down. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain and pulses are all excellent sources of foods low in cholesterol that can contribute to good health. Combining foods that are low in cholesterol with regular exercise while cutting out fatty foods and alcohol are major steps to take on the way to lower cholesterol levels and to fight against heart disease.

Preventing Heart Disease with Foods Low in Cholesterol

Far too many people suffer from heart disease and related problems which are mostly caused by inactivity, stress and a fatty diet. There are certain foods which can make a significant difference to the odds of becoming afflicted with heart problems and taking regular exercise is also a major push. It has to be a combined effort in order to take full advantage of the benefits of either. There are a number of foods which are ideal when trying to lower cholesterol levels.

Oats can balance blood sugar levels in the body as well as soak up cholesterol from the bloodstream. Avocado is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats which can make a huge difference in lowering cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil, fruits, green salads and vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables should form a major part of the diet when trying to lower cholesterol. Not only do these low in cholesterol foods help to lower cholesterol levels, but they also help to maintain and sustain healthy levels of cholesterol in the body.

Start off the day with cereals, eat fruit for snacks and replace the normally consumed animal fats with small amounts of nuts and olives. Dinners full of vegetables and lentils can be both filling and healthy as can soybean dishes. Replacing white bread and rice with brown varieties and eating lean meat and chicken as well as fish full of omega 3 and additions like extra virgin olive oil and garlic are guaranteed to produce optimal levels of cholesterol in the body.

Heart Attacks Links:

Blood Pressure Links:

L Is For Lousy: LDL Cholesterol

samuelhenly — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:20:14 +0000

When an individual is seen by their family doctor often an exam that is ordered by the physician is a blood cholesterol level test. This test requires the drawing of blood. When the test results come back they usually indicate the levels of cholesterol that are in the patient’s bloodstream. These levels are indicated by measuring the LDL and HDL levels within the bloodstream.

In order to address levels of cholesterol within an individual’s bloodstream, it is important to understand a number of factors surrounding cholesterol. Those factors include understanding what is cholesterol, how testing is accomplished and the treatment of LDL cholesterol.

What Is Cholesterol?

First of all, it is important to understand that production of cholesterol in the body is an important element in the proper functioning of the body’s metabolism. The liver is the main organ that produces cholesterol. The importance of cholesterol is seen as it combines with proteins that are found in the bloodstream. This combination of cholesterol and the protein is called a lipoprotein. It is this combination of cholesterol and proteins that gives movement of cholesterol within the bloodstream.

In addition, there are two different types of cholesterol found within the human body. HDL cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins is required by the body and therefore can be classified as good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol or low-density cholesterol is the other type of cholesterol found within the human body and can be classified as bad or lousy cholesterol.

This type of cholesterol has a fatty texture and as such does not allow for proper assimilation within the bloodstream. It is because of the nature of LDL cholesterol that this low-density cholesterol adheres to the inside walls of the arteries.

How Testing Is Accomplished

An individual can be tested for cholesterol and specifically LDL cholesterol through a clinical laboratory process. This laboratory procedure requires the technician to draw a blood sample. After the sample has been drawn the LDL cholesterol within the bloodstream is measured by determining the percentage of the LDL cholesterol in proportion to the cholesterol molecule.

This medical exam can only be ordered by licensed medical personnel and is utilized by the doctor to measure the patient’s risk for a stroke, coronary heart disease or arteriosclerosis. The greater the LDL cholesterol level the greater the risk for the patient to experience these conditions.

A standard operating procedure prior to an individual having their blood tested for cholesterol is for the patient to fast. This requires that no food is eaten 12 hours prior to the exam.

Treatment Of LDL cholesterol

There are three effective ways that the medical community can effectively treat LDL cholesterol. The most effective way to combat LDL cholesterol is through a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat.

The second effective way to reduce LDL cholesterol is through exercise. The additional treatment method that may be used in conjunction with a proper diet and increased exercise is through the use of medication. There are certain medications that can work with the liver or the digestive system to help reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood system.

Heart Attacks Links:

Blood Pressure Links:

Controlling High Cholesterol By Eating Less High Cholesterol Foods

samuelhenly — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:40:48 +0000

As part of your annual medical checkup the doctor has shared with you the results of your blood work. Your blood work, and specifically the cholesterol levels, are abnormally high.

As part of the treatment plan your physician is suggesting that you exercise, cut down your consumption of alcohol and take high cholesterol medication. In addition, your doctor is strongly suggesting that you cut out high cholesterol foods. As part of that diet it is strongly recommended that you avoid foods that contain highly saturated fat and processed foods.

Saturated Fat Foods

There are a number of factors that can raise the cholesterol level in individuals. Cholesterol is produced naturally by the body’s liver. There are two types of cholesterol found in the bloodstream. The first type of cholesterol is LDL cholesterol. This is the bad cholesterol which, in over abundance, can create clogging of the arteries. The good cholesterol is the HDL cholesterol and is metabolically important for the proper functioning of the body. Two of the main factors that increase the levels of cholesterol include a person’s genetic makeup and the foods that they eat. Full Reviews : Controlling High Cholesterol

Others Topic Related:

Non-Cholestrol Weblog

Three Specific Ways On How To Lower Cholesterol

The Three Categories Of Cholesterol Drugs

No Need To Study: Cholesterol Test

How Foods Low in Cholesterol can Keep us Healthy

L Is For Lousy: LDL Cholesterol

Controlling High Cholesterol By Eating Less High Cholesterol Foods

Three Specific Ways On How To Lower Cholesterol

What is Good Cholesterol?

Testing For Total Cholesterol Levels

What Is Zocor Cholesterol Medicine And What Does It Do?