helping people live healthier lives
why are ldl & hdl are monitored/ concentrations ASSOCIATED with heart risk
LDL is monitored because high amounts of it in the bloodstream can cause major health problems. If LDL remains in the bloodstream too long, it gets stuck under the walls of blood vessels in concentrations called plaques. Plaques can cause all kinds of problems. For instance, atherosclerosis is a condition that manifests itself through inflexible arteries. Also, if part of a plaque chips off, platelets will come rushing to the area to try and heal the tear. This will clog the whole vessel, possibly causing a heart attack. Lastly, peripheral artery disease, a condition where an artery in a leg is blocked, can be caused by plaque buildup. Overall, a high concentration of LDL is often associated with heart risk.
HDL, on the other hand, is monitored mainly because it keeps LDL in check. A high HDL level is optimal, because it carries cholesterol out of the bloodstream. If your HDL concentration is too low, you are likely at a higher risk for heart disease because your LDL is not being kept under control.
how to change hdl & ldl levels in blood:
Lowering LDL:
One way to lower the LDL circulating in your blood is to live a healthy lifestyle overall. Some examples of this are: eating a diet low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, but high in fiber such as fruits and whole grains. Some foods to eat only in moderation are vegetable oil, butter, stick margarine, lard or shortening. However, a margarine-like spread containing compounds known as stanols has been shown to lower LDL. In addition, drinking green tea has been found to lower LDL levels. Also, participating in regular aerobic exercise can lower LDL levels. Even moderate exercise such as brisk walking can help.
Heightening HDL:
Heightening the amount of HDL in your blood is also important. Lifestyle changes similar to those needed to lower LDL are used to heighten HDL. First, not smoking is vital to health, and HDL is no exception. If you are a smoker, quitting can increase your HDL by 10%. Losing weight also heightens HDL. For every six pounds you use, your HDL increases by 1 mg/dl. In addition, 30 minutes of exercise five times per week. Lastly, drinking alcohol in moderation has been linked to increased HDL.
Heightening HDL:
Heightening the amount of HDL in your blood is also important. Lifestyle changes similar to those needed to lower LDL are used to heighten HDL. First, not smoking is vital to health, and HDL is no exception. If you are a smoker, quitting can increase your HDL by 10%. Losing weight also heightens HDL. For every six pounds you use, your HDL increases by 1 mg/dl. In addition, 30 minutes of exercise five times per week. Lastly, drinking alcohol in moderation has been linked to increased HDL.
How to Change HDL and ldl levels:
Lowering LDL Production:
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications can be taken that lower LDL. The most common of these are statins, medications that inhibit the production of excess cholesterol in the liver. Some other medications that are used are Niacin, Fibrates, Zetia and bile acid sequestrants.
Heightening HDL Production:
Similarly to the way that medications can lower LDL, they can heighten HDL. Niacin, a drug lowers blood levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases the amount of HDL cholesterol, is the most commonly used medication, but Statins and Fibrates are also viable options.
Heightening HDL Production:
Similarly to the way that medications can lower LDL, they can heighten HDL. Niacin, a drug lowers blood levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases the amount of HDL cholesterol, is the most commonly used medication, but Statins and Fibrates are also viable options.
Videos about lowering cholesterol
Results and interpretations of cholesterol test:
When your doctor performs a cholesterol test, the all-inclusive results are known as a lipid panel. A lipid panel has four main parts.
- Total Cholesterol Level: total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl is considered normal, and 240 mg/dl is considered high
- Triglyceride Level: desired triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dl
- HDL level: An ideal level of HDL is 60 mg/dl
- LDL level: for people with little risk of heart disease, a normal level of LDL is 100-129 mg/dl
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