TOTAL CHOLESTEROL, HEALTH AND YOU

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL, HEALTH AND YOU

Information and a solution!

Health and medical officials and literature talk individually about HDL – high density, and LDL – low density but do they talk about Total Cholesterol? Usually, your Doctor tells you whether your scores are “normal” or not. This only provides you a brief sense of relief. Normal is open to such a varying interpretation. If you want to manage your health, then you need to know and understand your total cholesterol.

As I mentioned earlier, your Total Cholesterol consists of these two scores, HDL and LDL. There are two different scales, one common in the United States and Europe and another in Canada. The majority of articles utilizes the US and Europe so we will use it. Step #one is to get your cholesterol checked.

Sometimes your Doctor orders a fasting blood test. If not then only the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol will be usable.

No, you cannot subtract the HDL from the total cholesterol!

Logically, the reason why the LDL is invalid is because what you consume affects the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol level and triglycerides in your body.

HDL-bound cholesterol also called "good cholesterol", or HDL-C. HDL-C picks up cholesterol, carrying it internally from the cells.

Epidemiological studies have shown that high concentrations of HDL (over 60 mg/dL) have protective value against cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic stroke (lack of blood supply) and myocardial infarction or heart attack. These attacks occur when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted. Low concentrations of HDL (below 40 mg/dL for men, below 50 mg/dL for women) are a positive risk factor for these atherosclerosis diseases.

Before considering these concentration figures, ask yourself what risk factors you may have. For example -- how old are you? What is your family history? Do you smoke or do you have high blood pressure? What are your eating habits? Are you under stress?

If your Total Cholesterol, Blood (or Serum) Level is less than 200 mg/dL, then this is Desirable.

If your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels are also at desirable levels and you have no other risk factors for heart disease, then total blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dL puts you at relatively low risk of coronary heart disease.

If your Total Cholesterol, Blood (or Serum) Level is between 200–239 mg/dL, then your Total cholesterol is Borderline to High Risk

If this is the case, then ask your doctor to evaluate your levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides. It's possible to have borderline-high total cholesterol numbers with normal levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol balanced by high HDL (good) cholesterol.

If your Total Cholesterol, Blood (or Serum) Level is 240 mg/dL and over, this is a High Risk

People who have a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or more typically have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is desirable (200 mg/dL). There is also a proven correlation between HDL and Alzheimer’s. If your test didn’t show your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, your doctor should order a fasting profile.

SUMMARY

Your HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level

With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) puts you at higher risk for heart disease. In the average man, HDL cholesterol levels range from 40 to 50 mg/dL. In the average woman, they range from 50 to 60 mg/dL. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease.

Smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol. To raise your HDL level, avoid tobacco smoke, maintain a healthy weight and get at least 30–60 minutes of physical activity at least three times a week.

People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower HDL cholesterol and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Progesterone, anabolic steroids and male sex hormones (testosterone) also lower HDL cholesterol levels. Female sex hormones raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Your LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level

The lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, it's a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol. In general, LDL levels fall into these categories:

LDL Cholesterol Levels
Less than 100 mg/dL	Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL	Near Optimal/ Above Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL	Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High

Your other risk factors for heart disease and stroke help determine what your LDL level should be, as well as the appropriate treatment for you. A healthy level for you may not be healthy for your friend or neighbour. Discuss your levels and your treatment options with your doctor to get the plan that works for you.

Even with a low risk, however, it’s still smart to eat a heart-healthy diet, get regular physical activity, and avoid tobacco smoke. Have your cholesterol levels checked every five years or as your doctor recommends.

Key points for managing total cholesterol are working with your doctor to create a prevention and treatment plan that's right for you. Make lifestyle changes, including eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular activity, and avoid tobacco smoke.

If you have LDL (bad) cholesterol, you may also need medication. Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol rechecked.

Regardless of whether your total cholesterol is good, marginal or bad, it is important to work with your doctor creating a prevention and treatment plan that's right for you. Make the necessary changes to continue staying healthy.

Throughout this article, I point out the need to work with the medical profession. However, I do want to stress that you are still in control of your health. The Medical industry gives you the testing for total cholesterol as well as HDL and LDL. If the ratings are NOT what you desire, you can then search out NATURAL alternatives and remedies. For information, click on the SOLUTIONS or go to http://www.folkherbwisdom.com/nutronix.php .

If you have any comments, please send me an email at gredfern@uniserve.com