Health
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that circulates through the bloodstream aspart of the cell membrane. Unable to dissolve in blood, it is transported by lipoproteins toand from the liver through the circulatory system. Found throughout all human bodies, itis an integral part of life, and an adequate amount is essential for the body to functionproperly. However, an excess of it can clog the arteries, increasing a person's risk forcardiovascular disease in the form of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. There are several types of lipoproteins that shuttle the cholesterol, some good andsome bad. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL, is considered the bad cholesterol, since anexcess may block the coronary arteries leading to heart attacks, or block an artery in thebrain causing a stroke. To reduce the risk of this, LDL levels should be kept less than130mg/dL in a normal person and less than l00mg/dL in adults already at risk for heartdisease or with other factors such as diabetes. The opposite, High-density lipoprotein, orgood cholesterol, removes cholesterol from the blood vessels, helping protect the body
Also, increased activity can have a positive effect onother risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and elevated blood pressure. A seconddietary change is the reduction of saturated fats, which lowers the LDL level and reducesthe production and excretion of cholesterol by the liver and helps to lower the cholesterollevel. At least thirty minutes of physical activity each day isrecommended. Many things may effect the decision to begin medication, including anindividual's age, heredity, other health disorders such as high blood pressure, and riskactivities such as smoking. Foods such as fatty, red meats, whole milk and dairy products,eggs, and foods cooked in animal fats should be eaten in a reduced amount in the dietwhile fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals should be increased. There are many risk factors that are cannot be changed by an individual includingtheir age, heredity, race, and ethnicity. All of these may make a person more vulnerable todeveloping elevated cholesterol levels and the possible resulting cardiovascular disease. This helps to raise the HDL levels, increasing the removal of cholesterolfrom the blood vessels, while lowering LDL levels, and further reducing a person's risk ofdeveloping cardiovascular disease. If a high level is found, thenregardless of age, race, or sex, reducing it becomes a priority. Statins, nicotinic acids, and bile acids are effective inlowering LDL levels. Nicotinic acids and fibric acids also elevate HDL levels. Although,many of these drugs are effective in treating cholesterol it is recommended that they beused in combination with changes to the individual's lifestyle, including increased exerciseand weight loss, if needed. This can include walking, swimming, jogging, riding a bicycle, and othermoderate exercise. The third method used by many is to take medication to lower their level ofcholesterol.
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