Ten Things You Need to Know About High Cholesterol

Just a little change in your lifestyle and food habits is enough to lower cholesterol and keep it low. High cholesterol is a big problem, but through effective treatment and supplementation, it need not be a problem in your life. Count to ten, and find out more.

1.The shocking states about high cholesterol. In the USA, 105 million people suffer from high cholesterol. That's more than 1 in 3 of all Americans, or 37.13%.

2.What is high cholesterol? High cholesterol is a measure of how much cholesterol is in the blood. Everybody has two types of cholesterol in their blood - the good and the bad. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are called good cholesterol, because they transport excess cholesterol out of the bloodstream and to be broken down in the liver. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are called bad cholesterol, because they help to transport cholesterol from the tissues into the bloodstream. Total cholesterol levels in the blood of over 200mg/dL are considered "high cholesterol" by doctors. However, it is the levels of HDL's and LDL's that are more important, rather than total cholesterol levels.

3.The magic numbers. In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high, and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered mildly high, and should be watched. In both cases ways to lower cholesterol should be sought by patients. More importantly are the levels of the good and bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol (LDL) levels should be lower than 100mg/dL. It is recommended that HDLs, the good cholesterol, should be higher than 40mg/dL.

4.Fact or Fiction - you are what you eat. A high cholesterol diet does not cause high blood cholesterol. The body produces cholesterol itself, and there is little to indicate that high levels of cholesterol in the diet will cause high cholesterol. It is always recommended that people who already suffer high cholesterol symptoms eat a low fat diet though.

5.The real cause of high cholesterol. Being overweight is a major contributing factor of high cholesterol levels. A couch potato lifestyle will decrease cholesterol metabolism in the body, leaving it in your blood and elevating levels. Stress is also a major cause of high cholesterol. High cholesterol symptoms are also more likely to be seen with age.

6.High cholesterol. So what? High cholesterol symptoms should be taken very seriously. If measures to lower cholesterol are not taken then its presence in the blood stream leads to hypertension. Hypertension can lead to other diseases such as heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.

7.The warning signs. There are no clear-cut high cholesterol symptoms, meaning people remain unaware of their need to lower cholesterol. There are some symptoms for extremely high levels, but measures to lower cholesterol can, and should, be taken much earlier than this. It is almost impossible to do a self-check for high cholesterol levels; only a qualified physician can properly diagnose the condition.

8.Ways to Lower Cholesterol. Sunflower oil is an excellent natural way to lower cholesterol because it contains linoelic acid, which lowers cholesterol deposits on the artery walls. Garlic is considered an excellent way to both prevent and lower high cholesterol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol, the best source of which is from fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

9.More ways to lower cholesterol. If you find the strong smell of raw garlic off-putting, and hate the taste of fish, then supplements are available. Garlic extract can lower cholesterol as effectively as its raw counterpart. Flaxseed is used as a supplement, providing alternative sources of omega-3 in the battle to lower cholesterol.

10.You are not alone. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) launched The National Cholesterol Education Program in 1985. Their aim was to educate laypersons as well as professionals about the health concerns and symptoms surrounding high cholesterol and to help them develop healthier food and lifestyle habits so that they may lower cholesterol levels in their body. Mitamins also provides a wealth of information, and provides quality health supplements that can lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.