September is National Cholesterol Education Month
Understanding Cholesterol greatly reduces the risk for many problems, Two of the most important being Stroke & Heart Attack. If your total blood cholesterol is below 200 mg this puts you at relatively low risk for heart disease. Even with a low risk, it’s still smart to Exercise at least 3 times a week and eat a Heart Healthy diet. Determining how your cholesterol levels affect your risk of heart disease, your doctor will also take into account other risk factors including age, family history, smoking and high blood pressure.
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, HDL and Triglyceride levels fall into these categories:
LDL Cholesterol Levels
Less than 100 mg Great
100 to 129 mg
130 to 159 mg Borderline High
160 to 189 mg High
190 mg And Above Extremely High
HDL Cholesterol Level
Category
Less than 40 mg
(for men)
Less than 50 mg
(for women)
Low HDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.
An HDL of 60 mg and above is considered protective against heart disease
Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in the body. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high triglyceride levels. Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex.
Triglyceride Level Category
Less than 150 mg
150–199 mg Borderline High
200–499 mg High
500 mg and above Extremely High
You should now understand the benefits of maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Once you begin making better dietary choices, you will realize how easy it actually is getting used too. Some doctors and health organizations recommend that everyone older than 20 be checked for High Cholesterol. How often you should be checked depends on whether you have other health problems and your overall chance of heart disease.
Most experts agree that the following people should have their Cholesterol checked:
- Anyone who has strong risk factors for heart disease
- People who have a strong family history of heart disease
- Men ages 35 to 65
- Women ages 45 to 65
An adult who has Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) should have a cholesterol test at least once a year.
An adult who is being treated for high cholesterol may need more frequent tests, depending on his or her cholesterol level and the type of treatment being used.
An adult who has Diabetes should be tested once a year.
Below are Two important Herbs That Can be taken For Keeping a healthy heart, Please go to www.docsnutritiondepot.com & Visit the Heart Health Section for additional Items & information.
1) Policosanol is a blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (LCFA) derived from sugar cane, a superior source of these natural plant waxes. Non-clinical studies have shown that the fatty alcohol constituents in Policosanol possess considerable antioxidant activity, can protect serum lipids against free radical attack and support healthy immune function. Policosanol can support cardiovascular health through these and other mechanisms.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2) Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10) is a micronutrient essential to all human life. It is a naturally occurring nutrient that works as a co-factor in the body’s electron transport system where all of the body’s energy is derived. CoQ10 regulates the flow of oxygen moving in and out of the mitochondria, which are the cell’s power plants. The body’s cellular power plants can’t function without CoQ10. Declines in CoQ10 levels occur with advancing age and appear to be correlated with deterioration of the immune system. Supplementation with CoQ10 could help to boost energy levels, strengthen and protect the heart and blood vessels, enhance the immune system and protect against free radical damage. Like all muscles, the heart needs adequate energy to contract, and CoQ10 facilitates the production of that energy. In those with coronary heart disease, supplementation may reduce the frequency of angina episodes and increases the amount of physical exercise that a person can perform before developing angina pain. Tissues that need the largest amounts of CoQ10, like the heart, are those that require the most energy.
References WEB MD, American Heart Association, Now Foods, Olympian Labs
