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News - Boundary Community Hospital, Bonners Ferry Idaho USA |
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| Boundary Community Hospital |
| Cholesterol Education Month |
| Date : - 03/10/2008 |
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September is cholesterol education month. Why be concerned with cholesterol? Elevated blood cholesterol levels may contribute to increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The number one killer of men and women in the United States is heart disease.
Cholesterol is a waxy like substance made by the liver. It is needed in small amounts for some body hormones and for cell walls. Cholesterol is only found in animal sources of foods. A diet also high in saturated fats and trans fats can raise your cholesterol levels.
An ideal total cholesterol number is below 200. Borderline high is 200 to 240. Anything over 240 is considered high. Three components make up your cholesterol profile. Low-density lipids (LDL or lousy cholesterol) carry cholesterol to the walls of the blood vessels. A desirable LDL level is less than 130. High density lipids (HDL or healthy cholesterol) carries cholesterol away from the blood vessels. Desirable HDL is above 40 for men and 50 for women. Hence lousy cholesterol should be low and Healthy cholesterol should be high. Triglycerides is another form of fat in your blood. A desirable TG level is 150 or below.
What can you do to lower your cholesterol levels? Things that you can control are diet, weight and exercise.
A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower your cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal sources. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and the main culprit to raise cholesterol. Trans fats can also contribute to elevated cholesterol. An example of trans fats is a vegetable oil that has had hydrogen added to make it solid at room temperature such as cubed margarine. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. How you prepare your food makes a difference as well. Baking, broiling or barbecuing is better than deep fat frying.
Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. Being overweight can also raise your total cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower your LDL and raise your HDL.
Not being physically active increases your risk for heart disease. Regular physical activity can help raise your HDLs and lower your LDLs. It is recommended that you try to be physically active 30 minutes on most days. If you cant get 30 minutes in all at once, three ten minutes periods is Ok. Take advantage of exercise. Take the stairs or park the farthest away from the door.
It is recommended that every one over the age of 20 be tested at least once every 5 years. If you have questions about cholesterol contact one of your health care providers.
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| Reference : - www.boundaryhospital.org |
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