Not all cholesterol is bad. A new research has showed there is no such thing as good cholesterol.  HDL was considered protective but it was found not to be.  It demonstrated that HDL did not prevent against heart attack and stroke.  We no longer try to raise HDL.  This is a major change in how we control cholesterol.  Your body produces cholesterol naturally to keep your body healthy at the right amount. The cholesterol that your body produces can be affected by your family history and the foods you consume.

It’s important that you understand the difference between neutral and bad cholesterol, what levels in your blood are and how to manage it. Too much can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke and too little is unhealthy as well.

Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and food, specifically, animal products. Your liver and other cells in your body make about 75 percent of blood cholesterol. The other 25 percent comes from the foods you eat.

Decrease LDL – The Good Stuff

Studies show that in order to decrease your LDL levels, it is recommended that you must participate in at least 150 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, every week or at least 75 minutes of vigorous intensity such as jogging or running or a combination in order to decrease production of LDL. It is best to consult with your physician to create a plan that is healthy and suitable for you.

Diet plays a large role in your levels. Reduce the amount of trans fats which are found in animal products such as dairy, meats and eggs. Also, if you smoke, stop.

LDL the Bad Stuff

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol because too much of it circulating in your blood can clog arteries which can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

LDL cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, but genetics can play a role in your levels. It’s possible that you may eat a balanced diet, stay away from cigarettes, exercise regularly and still have high levels of LDL because it runs in your in your family through your mother, father or even grandparents. So, poor diet, cigarettes and lack of physical activity only make matters worse. If high levels of LDL run in your family, modifications in diet and exercise may not be enough. You need to work with your physician to create a treatment plan that is best for you.

Total Cholesterol       Category
Less than 200              Desirable
200 – 239                      Borderline High
240 and above             High

Cholesterol Screening

Cardiovascular or heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Every day, 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease, that one every 39 seconds.  You don’t have to be a statistic. If you are at risk, Dr. Kobobel, Board Certified in Family Medicine, can work with you to manage your cholesterol levels so that you can take control of your well-being.

Most of the time there are no symptoms! A heart attack or stroke could seemingly come out of the blue at any moment. You could be at risk and never have a clue it was was coming. That is why it is important to get screened and work with your physician to maintain healthy levels.

Cholesterol screening measures your levels of HDL and LDL. If you used to trust in HDL to protect you, don’t!  See your doctor to work on a plan that works for your body and well-being.

Even if your numbers are good today, it’s important to monitor your levels with regular screenings to ensure your blood levels stay healthy.

To make an appointment today to get screened or learn more about cholesterol and diet find us at www.BrevardFamilyWalkInClinic.com.

Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/Cholesterol_UCM_001089_SubHomePage.jsp.