What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid. The majority of the cholesterol in our bodies is manufactured by the liver. Cholesterol is, in fact, vital to the normal functioning of the body and, contrary to what many may suppose, we need a certain amount of cholesterol to keep healthy.

Cholesterol is used by the body to make up the outer layer of every cell in the body and to insulate nerve fibres. It is also used to make hormones and the bile acids which we need to digest and absorb fats.

Cholesterol is carried round the blood by molecules known as lipoproteins. The two main lipoproteins are LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol makes up the majority of cholesterol in the blood and is often known as 'bad' cholesterol because it can cause a build-up of harmful deposits when there is too much cholesterol in your blood for the cells to use. So, ideally, we want lower levels of LDL.

HDL cholesterol is often called 'good' cholesterol as it aids the body in disposing of the cholesterol in our blood stream by carrying it back to the liver which either breaks it down or cause it to be passed from the body as waste. So, ideally, we want higher levels of HDL.

Another type of cholesterol is VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) which helps to distribute triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood) through the blood stream. A certain amount of VLDL also converts to LDL. Unlike LDL and HDL, VLDL cholesterol levels are not measured directly but estimated based on the measurement of triglyceride levels in the blood.

This is the reason why a blood test that measures cholesterol levels, also includes a measurement for triglycerides. High cholesterol, then, is a higher than normal level of HDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, often combined with a lower than normal level of LDL, or 'good', cholesterol and a high level of triglycerides.

Why you might want to lower your cholesterol
High cholesterol itself is not a disease but it significantly increases your risk of serious medical conditions such as heart disease and stroke. With high cholesterol small fatty lumps accumulate on the walls of the arteries which can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis or 'hardening of the arteries' which makes the arteries narrower and therefore restricts the flow of blood to your heart, brain, or other parts of the body.

In turn, this increases the chances of a blood clot forming which, on top of a previous narrowing, can block the artery completely, stopping the blood from flowing. If the blocked artery leads to a portion of the heart or brain, this can cause a heart attack or stroke. Other heart or vascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis include angina, TIA (transient ischaemic attack) and peripheral vascular disease.

How to lower your cholesterol
Several factors can lead to high cholesterol, some of which, such as heredity and genetics, are beyond our control. However, lifestyle and diet are key factors in increasing the risk of developing high levels of blood cholesterol.

An unhealthy diet, made up of large amounts of food types containing saturated fats is a major, but easily preventable, cause of high cholesterol. For many people with high cholesterol, a diet low in saturated fats can substantially reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

A healthy, balanced diet can lead not only to lower levels of LDL in the blood but can also increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, helping to keep the 'bad' cholesterol at bay. In addition a low fat diet, combined with some regular, moderate exercise can also lead to weight loss, which in turn can help normalize cholesterol levels.

Simeon Wolf is a nutrition expert. For more information on lower cholesterol, visit http://www.foodsloweringcholesterol.com/.

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If you are worried that your cholesterol is too high, your first question may well be, "Well, what should my cholesterol be?" The answer to this question is not as simple as you may think. To really understand what your cholesterol levels should be, you must first know about the different types of cholesterol and how they work in your body.

Have I Got Too Much Cholesterol?

The first thing you should know if you are asking, "What should my cholesterol be?" is that not all cholesterol is bad for you. In fact, your body needs some cholesterol in order to function. It helps to create hormones, digestive juices, vitamin D, nerve synapses, and is a major component in cell membranes.

When you have more cholesterol in your blood than your body needs, however, the excess starts to build up on the walls of your arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This can lead to heart disease, and if a blood clot gets caught in these narrow arteries, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. For this reason, it is incredibly important that you keep your cholesterol levels in check.

"Good" and "Bad" Types of Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol, and it is the ratio between these two that will determine whether or not your cholesterol levels are healthy. The first type is of cholesterol is called low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, and it is usually referred to as "bad" cholesterol, because it is the type that will clog your arteries. The other kind of cholesterol is high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, and it is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps to carry excess LDL cholesterol out of your blood.

Both LDL and HDL cholesterol is needed in your body, but it is essential to maintain the proper ratio of these two in order to avoid heart disease. In women, this ratio should be no less than one part HDL cholesterol per four parts total cholesterol (1:4), and for men it should be no less than 1:4½.

What Numbers Are Right For Cholesterol?

So now that you know about the two different kinds of cholesterol, you are probably saying to yourself, "Yes, but what should my cholesterol be numerically, for both types?" Cholesterol levels are measured inmilligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and they can only be determined though a blood test. Your results will normally be broken down into your total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels.

An optimal range for total cholesterol levels would be less than 180 mg/dL, although anything below 200 is still desirable. Anything between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered to be borderline high and should be watched closely to make sure it does not go up. Levels of 240 mg/dL and over are considered high, and your doctor will probably recommend that you make dietary changes or take medication to lower them.

For LDL levels specifically, the optimal range is considered to be lower than 100 mg/dL. Levels of 129 mg/dL and below are still good, but if they are any higher than that you should start considering making dietary changes. Levels of 160 mg/dL and above are considered high, and anything about 190 mg/dL is very high.

HDL cholesterol levels should ideally be above 60mg/dL. Levels of 40 mg/dL and below are considered low. Remember, if your LDL or total cholesterol levels are high, you want to actually raise your HDL levels, not lower them. Increased HDL levels will carry more LDL out of your blood, lowering your bad cholesterol levels.

If you have been wondering "What should my cholesterol be?" hopefully this article has helped answer your question. If you have any doubts or further inquiries, you should discuss them with your physician. They will be able to give you further information and advice about lowering your LDL cholesterol levels.

For more information about high cholesterol, a life threatening problem, and how to manage it, visit http://www.loweringcholesterolfoods.com/

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Sad to say that many young adults neglect to have their blood work done at least once a year. Probably until they have this burdensome feeling, then that's the time they see a physician. Without them knowing, their cholesterol level had actually skyrocket. This can be a turning point when they set out to be more conscious of their diet. However, for some people, it may be too late to lower cholesterol normally. As an alternative, their doctor may have to order a medicine to help reduce their cholesterol levels.

As a general rule, anything that's consumed in excess is most often dangerous to us. Same thing applies to the cholesterol quantity in your body. If you're not particularly interested in the nutrients of the meals that you eat, you may lose tabs on the quantity of cholesterol you're taking in your body. Obviously, it's absurd that you calculate the cholesterol in the food you eat. By far the most practical and precise method to have your cholesterol administered is actually getting a fat profile test every now and then.

The cholesterol levels are different from person to person. Age, lifestyle or diet plan cannot be the sole basis of a person's health. There are people who seem to be in top shape and are leading a healthy lifestyle but on the contrary they nurse some cholesterol problems. On the other hand, it is also possible for a couch potato to be in the pink of health despite his lousy lifestyle. Thus, you cannot really judge a person's health condition based on his physical attributes alone. Generally, factors that may affect a person's heart condition are his genes, his lifestyle habits, or his eating habits. When you are investigating the root cause of a health problem, you can eliminate the causes one by one.

As you check your cholesterol level, it's also extra helpful if you know and comprehend the cholesterol level chart. It doesn't mean that you will not have your physician interpret the results but with some knowledge you get to understand your health status as well. Based on the total cholesterol level chart, if your cholesterol range is somewhere below 200, then that simply indicates that you are spared from the risk of acquiring coronary diseases. However, if your cholesterol range is between 200 to 239, then that is considered as borderline high. Meaning, there is a possibility that you will develop heart disease. Lastly, if your cholesterol level fall between 240 and above, then you will just double the risk of acquiring heart disease.

The chart does not mean to scare you. It only serves as your guide in keeping a healthy heart.

Learn more about the Cholesterol Chart to successfully manage your Cholesterol Levels. Stay away from heart diseases now.

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Cardiovascular diseases are generally often known as coronary heart health conditions and they center along the heart, the blood vessels, as well as the veins. The majority of the cardiovascular diseases are usually arterial and they are handled by vascular surgeons, neurologist, thoracis surgeon, interventional radiologists and cardiologists. Hearts diseases are the number one killer all over the world. A number of these cardiovascular illnesses often show at adulthood which should then need immediate attention to prevent it from getting worse.

Cardiovascular diseases often will turn for the most severe as time passes by and when they are found out, the condition has deteriorated making it tough to treat. Quitting smoking, exercise and eating a balanced diet are just several measures to prevent heart diseases.. Four well-known forms of cardiovascular disease involve heart stroke, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Coronary heart illness arises because of a blocked heart as a consequence preventing blood from getting into it. The leading reason of heart attacks is clumping of the blood. This is what makes the situation critical since once the blood stops flowing, the heart muscles will die and this will lead people to have heart attacks.

The moment when the heart will fail to pump blood normally, a condition known as heart failure occurs. The body then gets insufficient amounts of oxygen and blood. People with heart problems will possess enlarged feet, legs, and ankles. These people will probably also appear fatigued, a problem called lung congestion, which results from a build up of fluids in the lungs. High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension and this suggests an enhanced strain in the arteries. Blood pressure is a dangerous condition as it is hard for people to tell they have it. This type of stress frequently causes heart attacks, hard arteries, stroke, and heart failure.

Stroke is a result of a obstructed blood vessel that provides the human brain with much needed oxygen. Therefore, that part of the brain ceases operating and this means that those functions of the body controlled by this part of the brain will cease to work. A punctured blood vessel will also result into a stroke. A number of of the most common indicators of heart disease can include quick numbness that affects the arms and the face. Most people may possibly also feel chest pain, pelvis pain and pain in the legs. There will be circumstances of shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats, faintness, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, and abnormal heartbeats. The majority of of these types of signs will take place in the human brain and in the heart also.

It is critical to seek the advice of a physician who will identify what heart defect a particular person has. Heart disease cure is varied hinging on the type of health issues people have. The medical doctor may recommend the unclogging of the vessel that's not supplying blood by way of a surgical operation. This will open up the blood flow and the heart will function as usual. Quite often, the heart vessels are clogged with fat and this is what exactly is removed to unblock them. A number of of the methods utilized include atherectomy whereby a knife and a catheter are used to remove the accumulated fats. A coronary artery bypass surgery may possibly furthermore be used to take care of a cardiovascular occlusion.

Kelly B Brown is a keen internet marketer for nearly 4 years and is an avid writer who writes on various subjects. Come visit her latest website that discusses Heart Disease Cure and helps people find the best Heart Disease Cure without having to undergo surgery.

Heart disease is a very generic term used for a variety of diseases distressing the heart. According to a survey, it is the leading reason of death in developed nations such as, the United States, England, Canada, and the like, exterminating one person every 30 seconds in the United States alone.

There are several symptoms of heard disease. Here are the most common signs you should lookout for:

Chest Discomfort:

Chest discomfort can be caused due to several different reasons. However, it is also a leading symptom of heart disease. Consequently, it should never be dismissed as being irrelevant. Uneasiness in the chest is also known as Angina. Angina can be explained as a distressing, burning, squeezing, or painful, feeling in the chest. It can be easily mistaken for upset stomach. However, it is much more serious and a vital symptom of heart disease. Make sure you consult a doctor if your chest feels heavy.

Loss of Consciousness:

Loss of consciousness or syncope is again one of the very common symptoms of Heart disease. Although people may faint, due to several other reasons such as stress, weakness and the like, but nonetheless, it can also indicate a graver issue, such as a heart problem.

Syncope can indicate a dangerous cardiac difficulty. In fact, a cardiac syncope can lead to sudden death of the victim.

Fatigue:

Fatigue is also one of the many familiar symptoms of heart disease. Fatigue or lethargy is fundamentally the inability of the body to carry on functioning at typical levels. Another dimension of fatigue is somnolence in which the patient craves sleep either all the time or abruptly falls asleep. While fatigue and lethargy can be signs of heart disease, these symptoms can also mean minute disorders. However, the best way to find out is by consulting a doctor immediately.

Breathlessness:

Shortness of breath is a symptom of cardiac disorder. It is a know fact that victims of heart failure experience breathlessness whenever they exert or lye on their backs.

Shortness of breath in victims can also lead to abrupt waking up at night with a problem in breathing properly. Several forms of heart problems such as Coronary artery disease, pericardial disease, or cardiac arrhythmias can lead to this problem.

Heart Failure:

There can be no obvious symptoms of heart disease than a heart failure. There are several signs of a heart failure such as, Cough that produces white mucus, sudden weight gain, dizziness, abnormal swelling in the body, irregular heart beats, nausea, palpitation and the like.

Remember, heart failure signs may not always be connected to how feeble your heart is. It is possible that you may have several of these problems, but your heart function may be only meekly weakened. However, make sure you leave the judgment to a professional.

Heart related disorders are a serious issue and if you feel any of the above symptoms of heart disease, make sure to get yourself examined immediately. To read more on this subject visit Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among people in the United States and in other countries throughout the world. With that in mind, it is important to be vigilant and learn the various warning signs of heart disease so that you can reduce your risk.

Coronary artery disease is the most widespread form of this life-threatening disease, affecting in excess of 14 million people in the US alone.

For some, unfortunately, there are no warning signs, and their first indication that they have developed coronary artery disease is when they suffer their first heart attack.

For others, the warning signs of heart disease you need to be aware of are as follows:

* angina
* palpitations
* shortness of breath
* edema
* fatigue
* fainting

If you experience one or more of the above warning signs of heart disease, then please visit your doctor immediately for treatment.

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease.

By far the most important risk factor you need to focus on is high cholesterol.

The presence of too much LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body will lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries providing oxygenated blood to your brain, heart and other major organs.

It is important that you monitor your LDL and HDL (good cholesterol) levels and ensure you maintain the correct ratio of both.

This will ultimately reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Another crucial way to prevent the warning signs of heart disease is to adopt a heart healthy lifestyle.

Modify your diet to include fruits, fish, whole grains, olive oil, vegetables, seeds and nuts.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol as these will dramatically increase LDL cholesterol levels putting you at risk.

Exercise on a regular basis by doing something you enjoy and know you will sustain. This will raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL.

Give serious consideration to adding natural supplements to your daily routine, as these have proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage cholesterol and increase your overall heart health.

The right natural supplements can make a world of difference in protecting you against the warning signs of heart disease. Check the ingredients and make sure they are purely natural.

Look after your heart and your overall health in general so that you can fully enjoy a long, fun-filled life with your family and loved ones.

If you are ready to prevent the warning signs of heart disease and protect yourself while improving your heart health and overall well-being, then visit my website today for quality information to guide you to success.

Mary Ruddy is a former high cholesterol sufferer, from a family with a history of heart disease, and has successfully achieved perfect cholesterol levels, reversing and eliminating the risk of heart disease, and is a strong advocate of natural health care. Mary enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily at: http://www.curing-cholesterol.com/

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Knowing a little about dietary fats and certain foods for lower cholesterol takes you a long way to making smart choices about your eating habits. You should avoid meats, especially red meats, but for many of us that just isn't practical. To lower cholesterol many experts say just by making a series of dietary changes can make a big difference in your levels. And you don't have to eliminate all meats from your diet.

Some Easy First Steps To Take to make progress attacking cholesterol: Limiting the amount of egg yolks you eat and adjusting full-fat dairy products. Here's a suggestion, if you're using full fat milk reduce it to one, two percent or skim milk. If you like coffee with cream use a fat free brand and not the powered stuff. Try it. Zero fat, zero trans-fats and zero cholesterol. OH, by the way zero calories. Now let's look at some additions to construct a diet that lower cholesterol. If you're like me I hate the word diet. I feel better with the phrase "adjusting eating habits" because that's really what we're doing.

Let's Attack Those Fried And Processed Foods: If you're like me I grew up with fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and you name it-it was fried. You'll want to avoid them as much as possible. Instead of eating French fries, eat a baked potato-better yet a sweet baked potato. But what many of us don't realize is that processed foods are also loaded with fats and high levels of cholesterol. Processed meats, like deli meats, sausage, hot dogs, bologna, and salami are among the worst offenders. It's recommended that you cut back your consumption of these foods to no more than six ounces per day OR...

Better Yet is the option to substitute fish (salmon, tuna etc.) for these meats. Fish, is even a better choice than the traditional chicken. If you must eat chicken choose either skinless (breasts preferred) or take the skin off before you prepare it.

"ONE SECRET WEAPON" of Cholesterol-Busters is fiber. Try to increase your daily consumption of soluble fiber and you'll be well on your way in combination with the above to "busting" that cholesterol level.

Two types of fiber exist: soluble and insoluble. Research seems to bear out that soluble fiber is more effective at lowering your total cholesterol level. Most foods contain some combination of both fibers. Some sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, peas, apples as well as citrus fruits and nuts.

Insoluble fiber can be found in whole-grain foods like wheat bran, whole-grain breads and cereals and many vegetables and fruits with the skin still on it. There are fiber supplements available usually in health food stores which can be added to your daily food preparation.

How Much Fiber Do You Need: Most diets that are abundant in fat like the typical American menu-are for the most part poor in fiber. Research shows that the average American only gets about 15 grams of fiber daily. The National Academy of Sciences says "that men up to 50 need a minimum of 38 grams of fiber daily and women in the same age group need a minimum of 25 grams. For men who are older than 50, it's highly suggested that they receive 30 grams daily. Women in this same age group are encouraged to eat at least 21 grams daily".

Moderate exercise included with a diet that lower cholesterol will take you a long way toward better health and may reduce the possibility of serious health related diseases. Bon Appetit!

Daisy Wolfe is an online researcher and publisher providing Information and Advice on how you can make changes to your cholesterol level with the kinds of food that you eat and through changes in your lifestyle. For further information and your FREE Mini-Course (10 Cholesterol-Busting Secrets) visit How To Lower Cholesterol Center

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When it comes to dealing with cholesterol, most people become very confused by the terminology that is used by the medical profession. One such term is LDL low, and another is HDL high. Nevertheless, understanding what they mean is important, if you are to achieve heart healthy cholesterol levels.

LDL, or bad cholesterol as it is most commonly referred to as, is a major risk factor for heart disease, if levels are not kept in check.

When you hear the term LDL low, it simply means that your levels of bad cholesterol are low, and thankfully, your risk of contracting heart disease is lowered.

When your LDL levels become too high, plaque forms in the walls of your arteries.

Over time, this plaque will start to causes blockages in the arteries, resulting in a restrictive flow of blood to your brain, heart and other major organs.

The unfortunate outcome, in most cases, is a stroke or a heart attack.

With more than 14 million people in the United States alone suffering from coronary artery disease, it is crucial to keep your LDL low at all times.

Attaining low LDL is possible, but it is important to ensure that you do not push your levels too low, through the frequent use of prescription medication called statins.

This is something that various health authorities have expressed concern over, as in rare cases, having a low level of LDL cholesterol or a low total cholesterol level can put you at risk of developing some serious health problems.

Although these risks are rare, very low levels of LDL may increase your risk of:

* Cancer
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Preterm birth and low birth weight if your cholesterol is quite low while you are pregnant

The goal of any cholesterol treatment should be to achieve healthy cholesterol levels in order to prevent cardiovascular disease from developing.

If the lipids are properly balanced then your risk of developing heart disease are reduced.

You need to keep track of your cholesterol levels. Your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels should fall within these ranges:

* LDL below 100 mg/dL or below 70 mg/DL if you are at a very high risk of heart disease

* Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL

There are a number of natural and safe ways to achieve an LDL low level of cholesterol, and these include diet, exercise and natural supplements.

Eating foods high in soluble fiber and rich in Omega 3, such as whole grains and fish, will lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL.

Try to stay away from or at the very least limit foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, such as animal products, dairy products, cakes, biscuits, junk food, pre-packaged food and processed food.

Get around 30 minutes of regular exercise 5 days a week. This will raise HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL.

Natural supplements are all the rage and with good reason. The right ones work and work very well, so considering adding them to your daily routine.

Achieving a healthy LDL low level of cholesterol is easy if you follow the above steps.

Why not give yourself every affordable opportunity to increase and improve your heart health so that you can enjoy quality time with your family and loved ones for years to come.

If you are ready to achieve a healthy LDL low level of cholesterol, while increasing your heart protective HDL level, then visit my website today for quality information to guide you to success.

Mary Ruddy is a former high cholesterol sufferer, from a family with a history of heart disease, and has successfully achieved perfect cholesterol levels, reversing and eliminating the risk of heart disease, and is a strong advocate of natural health care. Mary enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily at: http://www.curing-cholesterol.com/

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