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 Cholesterol
What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like waxy
substance that is found in your blood stream and in all of your
body’s cells. It is a normal important part of a healthy body .
Cholesterol is used for producing cell membranes, some hormones and
serves other necessary functions. However, too much cholesterol in
your bloodstream can lead to coronary heart disease.
| Your Total Blood Cholesterol Levels should be:
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Less than 200 mg/dl:
200 - 239 mg/dl:
240 - mg/dl and over: |
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Desirable
Borderline-High Risk
HIGH RISK |
Your total blood cholesterol is a combination of
HDL
(Good) cholesterol, LDL (Bad) cholesterol and your triglyceride Levels. With HDL
cholesterol, (Good) higher levels are better. On the other hand, low
LDL (Bad) cholesterol is good. If fact, the lower your LDL is, the
lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Triglyceride is a form
of fat and a normal range for your triglyceride level should be less
that 150 mg/dl.
The importance of a low triglycerides level: Many people that
have high triglyceride levels are overweight/obese, physically
inactive, smoke cigarettes, drink excess alcohol and have a diet
high in saturated fats and carbohydrates. A triglyceride level of
150 mg/dl or higher is one of the major risk factors of
Metabolic
Syndrome.
You must have your Total Blood Cholesterol Level checked with a
simple blood test and analyzed by your physician to determine if a
course of treatment and lifestyle changes are necessary.
Your Doctor can perform tests to determine if you have
High Cholesterol and prescribe a method of treatment best for your individual needs.
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