Cholesterol has got a lot of bad publicity. We always discuss Cholesterol as a problem. And in negative light. Let’s get our cholesterol facts right with the help of this article.
Without cholesterol, hormones such as estrogen or testosterone won’t be there in our bodies. Cholesterol provides our cells with the strength they need to keep in shape.
Cholesterol also helps the body to provide the myelin lining to the nerve fibers. Which in turn helps the nerves function to convey signals efficiently and fast.
Let us first know what after all is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty molecule produced by the liver. Though liver produces about 80% of the cholesterol human body needs, we still get some of it through our diets. Too much cholesterol, usually a result of intake of foods high in cholesterol and fat content can cause many problems, including several types of heart disease.
It’s considered very normal that cholesterol levels in the body fluctuates. But if it fluctuates, especially goes up too much and remains there for too long, one may be at risk of heart disease.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol – There are no symptoms that can be directly associated with high cholesterol.
Generally t is diagnosed through a routine blood test. In most cases the patient is not even expecting it. Since the person diagnosed with it is not facing any health problem or related it strikes as surprise.
Since it does not have any symptoms in many cases people do not find out that they have high cholesterol levels. Sometimes not until the patient has had her/his first heart attack or stroke.
The doctors recommend that individuals over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol checked once every five years. If the risk runs in the family or t those people who have a family history of high cholesterol, or have been diagnosed with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, may get it checked more frequently.
Treatment of High Cholesterol First treatment option the doctors suggest is re-arranging your lifestyle that may include food habits and exercising etc.
This may be suggested along with medicine course or otherwise. Drugs, combinations of drugs, natural alternatives, changes in the way you lead your life are some of the options doctors may opt for. Doctors put the patient through several tests before prescribing a modification in life style or medicinal course.
Prevention is better than cure. So it is best to avoid getting into he trap of high cholesterol. Eat healthy. Keep your weight in check. If there is a family history get your cholesterol checked every few years. Exercise. Don’t smoke. Keep an eye on your weight.
