What is Cholesterol?
There are many experts discussing cholesterol today however something not always mentioned is that out bodies need cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol help our bodies build the cell walls that in return help with hormone and bile production. The amount you need however is not much and when the excess starts to build up it causes a great deal of problems for the cardiovascular system in particular.
Cholesterol In Small Amounts Are Good
The problem is that the body cannot effectively eliminate cholesterol from the body when it is found in excess. Instead, the substance remains in the bloodstream, forming a plaque in the arteries that makes it much more difficult for blood to pass through freely.
When blood cannot flow as easily, the heart must work that much harder to keep the blood moving through the body. This puts a strain on the heart, and places the person at much higher risk for cardiovascular disease and a heart attack.
It is indeed the strain on the heart that makes it so important that you monitor your cholesterol on a regular basis. Once an individual is diagnosed with high cholesterol he and his doctor can work together using exercise, diet and medication to lower cholesterol to allow the heart to return to normal. Make sure you check your cholesterol levels on a regular basis as early diagnosis leads to early intervention.
Types
The two types of cholesterol in our bodies are LDL and HDL cholesterol. HDL or high density lipoproteins helps to remove cholesterol from our bodies and LDL or low density lipoproteins delivers cholesterol to the body.
Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.
Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.
If you are unsure of where your levels are at, talk to your doctor about a cholesterol screening. This simple blood test can provide plenty of valuable information about how to keep your body in the healthiest condition possible.















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