LDL Cholesterol : What does that really mean?

An excess of LDL also know as “Bad cholesterol” In large quantities favors the creation of deposits in the blood vessels. These deposits gradually cause a loss of elasticity in the arteries and reduce their diameter, which increases considerably the risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke or arteritis.

Summary

What is an excess of LDL Cholesterol ?

What are the symptoms of too much LDL cholesterol in blood ?

What about Triglycerides ?

What are the treatments for an excess of LDL

HDL (high-density lipoprotein)

What is an excess of LDL Cholesterol ?

An excess ofcholesterol is not a disease in itself but a risk factor for other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In fact, it is an excess of LDL cholesterol, also called bad cholesterol, which favors the formation of deposits and build up a wall ( called plaque ) in your vessels. These deposits gradually cause a loss of elasticity and reduce their diameter, which increases the risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke or arteritis. 93 million U.S. adults age 20 or older have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL, when a normal level should be less than 100 mg/dL

What are the symptoms of too much LDL cholesterol in blood ?

An excess of LDL cholesterol does not cause symptoms, but its deposit in the arteries can cause disease. For example, angina pectoris, a contraction of the arteries of the heart, even a myocardial infarction. If the arteries of the brain are affected, paralysis, dizziness or speech disorders are possible, even a stroke. Finally, if the arteries in the legs are narrowed, arteritis causes intermittent calf cramps when walking. Erectile dysfunction is also observed. A simple blood test can check cholesterol levels.

What about Triglycerides ?

Triglycerides make up most of the fat we eat and circulate in our blood. They are an essential source of energy for our body. It seems that a high level of triglycerides in the blood favors the development of cardiovascular disease, but opinions differ on this matter. The level of triglycerides in the blood is usually less than 1.5 g / l. An abnormally high level is often linked to a hight consumption of alcohol, unbalanced diabetes, overweight, a liver overloaded with fat, or due to certain medications.

What are the treatments for an excess of LDL

In addition to any medicines prescribed by your doctor. In any case please take advice from medical professionals.

A healthy lifestyle is still the best defense against high cholesterol. This is one way to prevent yourself against other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing heart or blood vessel disease. The following suggestions may guide your first steps towards starting treatment for high cholesterol:

– Adopt a diet, low in saturated fat and cholesterol
– Eat a wide variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds
– Go for healthy dieat food ( Mediterranean diet etc, )
– Increase your level of physical activity (do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity to maintain an healthy weight
– limit your alcohol consumption to:
no more than 1 drinks per day (or no more than 2 drinks on special occasions)

HDL (high-density lipoprotein)

HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Numerous supplements can provide the necessary daily intake.