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Why High Blood Cholesterol Levels Are Dangerous
By Kim Beardsmore, Thu Dec 8th
Cholesterol, like fat, cannot move around the bloodstream onits own because it does not mix with water. The bloodstreamcarries in particles called lipoproteins that arelike blood-borne cargo trucks delivering to variousbody tissues to be used, stored or excreted. But too much ofthis circulating can injure arteries, especially thecoronary ones that supply the heart. This leads to accumulationof cholesterol-laden “plaque” in vessel linings, a conditioncalled atherosclerosis. When blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart musclebecomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If ablood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected byatherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or deathcan occur. Are you at risk? Cardiovascular disease is still one of thegreatest health problem affecting western countries. Accordingto the American Heart Foundation, over 70 million Americans havecardiovascular disease (CVD). The national cost of is nearly$400 billion and every 45 seconds an American has a stoke.
Certain risk factors increase your chances of developingcardiovascular disease. Overweight High blood cholesterol Insufficient physical activity High blood pressure Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Diabetes Many people have multiple risk factors for heart disease andthe level of risk increases with the number of risk factors. Byreducing these risk factors you can largely prevent the onset ofcardiovascular disease. On its own elevated blood isnot necessarily a problem, but coupled with one or more otherrisk factors for heart disease, it is often the straw thatbreaks the camel’s back. It is, therefore, very important to know what your cholesterollevels are and to keep them at a healthy level before you haveany problems. High risk cholesterol If your total level is240 or more, it's definitely high. You have a higher risk ofheart attack
and stroke. In fact, you should have your LDL andHDL tested. Ask your doctor for advice. Close to 20percent of the U.S. population has high blood cholesterollevels. Borderline-high risk People whose total is200 to 239 mg/dL have borderline-high cholesterol. About a thirdof American adults are in this group, while almost half ofadults have total levels below 200 mg/dL. In fact,people who have a total of 240 mg/dL have twice therisk of coronary heart disease as people whose levelis 200 mg/dL. Does physical activity affect cholesterol? Other factors that affect blood levels: Heredity – High often runs in families. Eventhough specific genetic causes have been identified in only aminority of cases, genes still play a role in influencing bloodcholesterol levels. If your parents have high cholesterol, youneed to be tested to see if your levels are alsoelevated. Age and gender – Before menopause, women tend to havetotal levels lower than men at the same age.Cholesterol levels naturally rise as men and women age.Menopause is often associated with increases in LDL cholesterolin women. Stress – Studies have not shown stress to be directlyinked to levels. But experts say that because peoplesometimes eat fatty foods to console themselves when understress, this can cause higher blood cholesterol. Excess weight – Being overweight tends to increase bloodcholesterol levels. Losing weight has been shown to help lowerlevels. A greater risk of increased levels occurswhen that extra weight is centered in the abdominal region, asopposed to the legs or buttocks. About the author:Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose businessoperates across 60 countries. This world renowned, medicallyapproved program will give you results you'll love and all thesupport you need! Estimate your healthy body weight, recipes,articles, ezine and more at http://weight-loss-health.com.au
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