LDL Cholesterol: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Causes and Treatment of High LDL Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol can be caused by a diet high in saturated fat, trans fats and from cholesterol itself which can be found in food items such as egg yolk, cheese, and meats. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle it can cause you to gain weight which in turn will raise the LDL levels in your blood . Genetics can also play a part in your cholesterol levels. Some people suffer from familial hypercholesterolemia, where form birth individuals suffer from extremely high LDL levels and can cause them to have heart attacks at a very early age. Age can also be a factor in your levels. Women over the age of 55 tend to have higher LDL cholesterol levels then men in their same age bracket.
In order to know the level of cholesterol in your blood you would need to take a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. It is similar to many other blood tests in the sense that you must fast for nine to twelve hours before they can draw your blood . The reason for fasting prior to the test is so that the results will not be skewed by what you chose to eat for breakfast , they need to know your level before food is in the equation.
For the treatment of your high LDL levels you should limit the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol you intake . You can also stabilize your weight and perform some type of regular exercise. Waist measurements of above 35 inches for females and 40 inches for men also ups the risk factor for LDL complications. High LDL cholesterol levels are a very common health problem in America. Statins, which reduce the amount of cholesterol your liver produces, are one of the most prescribed medicines in the country and the number one type of medication that is used to help control high LDL levels.
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Published by Briklin Stoffa
I am a 27 year old stay at home . I have 2 children. View profile
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