The key to a heart-healthy lifestyle is to manage your cholesterol before it becomes a problem, Small modifications, like stress management and keeping a healthy weight, have been demonstrated to reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and boost High-Density Liporpotein (HDL) levels, with frequent cholesterol testing, nutritious food, and regular exercise. As you become older, it becomes increasingly necessary to consult with a healthcare physician about your cholesterol levels, especially if you have signs of heart disease.
What is LDL and why it is called the Bad cholesterol? LDL has more cholesterol than triglycerides or protein. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. When LDL levels are high, the main problem is the production of plaque inside the artery walls, which leads to atherosclerosis. This substance stiffens, narrows, and hardens the walls of the arteries, which transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This not only affects the process directly, but it can also create plaque ruptures, causing numerous types of blood cells to rush towards the exposed ruptured plaque, cling to it, and acutely block the artery. Depending on which artery is obstructed, the acute obstruction might result in a heart attack or stroke. Even so, your body needs it to safeguard its neurons and produce healthy cells and hormones. Some cholesterol is derived from the foods you eat, and the rest is produced by your liver.
Knowing your cholesterol levels not only informs you and your healthcare providers about your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease, but it also makes it simpler to establish and modify a tailored cholesterol management strategy. Getting your cholesterol levels checked, particularly in case you have got a family history of high cholesterol, is a basic part of staying educated about your health. If you’re younger than age 40, you may only get it checked every few years, but your specialist will assist you to choose what’s best. Taking a proactive approach to bringing down your cholesterol is additionally a positive step toward increasing your overall health so it’s a win-win situation.
ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND
REFERENCES:
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/lipoproteins-facts-and-info 697495#:~:text=Low%2DDensity%20Lipoproteins%20(LDL),-LDL%20consists%20of
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/lipoproteins-facts-and-info-697495/
- https://www.healthycholesterolclub.com/what-does-a-low-ldl-cholesterol-level-mean//
- https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ldl-cholesterol-the-bad-cholesterol
