Cholesterol Facts
Cholesterol Facts You Should Be Aware Of
Knowing cholesterol facts can help you reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack. There are ways you can help to keep your cholesterol low, including:
• Scheduling a cholesterol screening, and eating foods low in cholesterol and with no trans fats.
• Be active, keep your weight at a healthy level and follow your doctor's advice if he has any instructions for you to follow, to keep your cholesterol low.
• Cholesterol is actually one of the things that your body produces, and, in moderation, it is healthy for the body. It doesn't pose a problem unless your “good” cholesterol is too low, or your “bad” cholesterol is too high.
• There are approximately one hundred and seven million adults over 20 years of age in the United States with high cholesterol.
• It's important to learn your cholesterol facts. There are two types, as mentioned above. LDL is “bad” cholesterol and HDL is “good” cholesterol. When too much “bad” cholesterol is circulating in the blood, it can build up inside the walls of arteries. This is called atherosclerosis.
• To manage your cholesterol, facts will help you reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. You will need to work with your health care professional to keep track of your cholesterol levels and keep them at a healthy level.
• You need a team to set up and help you stick with a program to manager your cholesterol. Facts are important – keep your doctor informed of any issues you are having, and have regular cholesterol screenings so your doctor knows where your levels are.
• Set up a plan with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels and make sure they're maintained at a safe level. Be sure to follow your plan closely, or it won't work, to keep your levels low.
• There are questions you should ask your doctor before setting up a cholesterol maintenance program. Ask him what your cholesterol numbers mean, and what your goal should be. Get a feeling for how long it will take you to reach your goal level of cholesterol. Facts you should let your doctor know include what types of foods you normally eat, and what your current weight is. Find out if your diet needs alterations, and if you need to lose weight.
• If your doctor thinks you need medication to control your high cholesterol, ask him what kind you will be taking, and what the side effects are. Ask him how long you will need to take the medication, and what foods or other medications you should avoid while on your cholesterol medication.
• There is also a free on line service that helps you keep track of cholesterol facts and your individual levels, risks and treatment options. This site will set up a personal cholesterol level check for you, and give you other valuable information to help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level.