Understanding Cholesterol and Heart Health
Richard asked:
If you have a better idea of what cholesterol is and how you can manage it in your life, this information will lead to better heart health, and all round better feeling of well being. Cholesterol is a waxy like substance that is found in the walls of all your body cells, from your nervous system to your liver and in your blood stream as well. Your body uses this cholesterol to make necessary hormones, bile acids, vitamin D and other vital substances that your body needs to survive. There are good and bad types of cholesterol as well
Where does the Cholesterol in your body come from?
Your body manufacturers all the cholesterol your body requires from the foods you eat. This cholesterol will circulate in your bloodstream in packages known as lipoproteins, which consist of fat inside and protein on the outside. Cholesterol which is a fatty substance does not mix with the blood, just as oil does not mix with water. Your blood carries it to the parts of the body where it is required as mentioned above
Your Body has 2 Types of cholesterol in your body, both good and bad!.
Your body carries two types of cholesterol one which is good for your health and the other bad… These are known as low density lipoprotein or LDL which is the bad cholesterol which carries cholesterol that builds up in your body tissues including your heart arteries. Most cholesterol in your blood at any given time is the LDL cholesterol. The higher the levels are of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream; the higher your dangers are of contracting heart disease. So remember LDL is the bad cholesterol and you don’t want high levels of this type in your body.
The good Cholesterol in your body is called HDL cholesterol. This cholesterol carries cholesterol away from your tissues to your liver where it is harmlessly removed from your body by natural secretion. Low levels of HDL increase heart disease. Healthy levels of HDL are good for you. Do not get mixed up between the two.
Why are high levels of LDL Cholesterol bad for your body?
Too much cholesterol in your blood leads to blocked and clogged up body tissues including your heart arteries. This build up is called plaque and as a result your arteries become less flexible. You may have heard the term atherosclerosis; which is hardening of your arteries and as you know the end result can be a heart attack. It is not just your heart blood vessels that can suffer from too much cholesterol, but any of the arteries in your body as well. If your coronary artery becomes blocked by too much plaque you will suffer angina because your blood is unable to get the oxygen it needs or the nutrients to the heart muscle. Hardening of the coronary artery is called coronary heart disease which you may likely by now have heard somewhere or another. This form of heart disease is becoming common in the western world due to high cholesterol in the blood from; Yes; and you guessed it; from unhealthy eating habits!
The risk factors.
Certain risk factors nothing can be done about regarding heart diseases and cholesterol levels. These factors where risks of heart disease are increased, are age groups for men and women over 45, which are ages that will increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease from atherosclerosis. Family history of early heart disease is also a factor that must be taken into consideration. The lack of regular exercise and bad eating habits increase the risk of heart disease from cholesterol as well. Most fast foods are prepared in unhealthy fats which is a high risk factor more than anything else as well…
How to lower your risks of high cholesterol.
Perhaps you have heard some of these tips before but it is prudent to go over them again for your information:
1 Avoid foods with high animal fat content. Trim excess fat off meat
2. Eat Lots of fruit, vegetables, and fiber for your health
3. Eat less salt in your diet and limit salty snacks and foods.
4. Lose some weight if you are carrying too much according to your BMI (Body Mass Index)
5. Regular sensible exercise in moderation and plenty of fresh air.
6. Stay calm and avoid stressful situations.
7. Limit your alcohol intake to a sensible level.
8. Smoke less, or give up altogether if possible.
Other treatments that can be used if your doctor has found you to have unhealthy levels of cholesterol are certain drugs called ‘statins’ that will control the rate which your body produces cholesterol. These drugs increase HDL and lower the bad LDL cholesterols. See above about what we mentioned about the good and bad cholesterols.
Watch your diet and eat healthily
Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado pears, peanut butter, unsalted nuts and fish oils. Try and limit intakes of salt, polyunsaturated fats, sunflower oils, soft margarines and salad dressings like mayonnaise. (Some newer soft low cholesterol margarine is available on the market that is completely safe to use nowadays though).
Watch out particularly to avoid eating too much animal fats on meats, eat less eggs, cheese, fatty meats, butter, and ice creams and of course take out foods. Naturally you can eat any of the above as long as you are sensible about it. Everyone tells you to eat more fiber, and by now with this advice it should be a given. If you are not eating enough greens or fresh vegetables then take some sort of antioxidants or supplements. Cut down drinking of alcohol to one or two drinks a day.
There is some great advice and diets that have been designed to help people with high cholesterol reduce these high levels. With a little research you will find the right ways to control your cholesterol.
More Heart Health Information Here
Caffeinated Content
If you have a better idea of what cholesterol is and how you can manage it in your life, this information will lead to better heart health, and all round better feeling of well being. Cholesterol is a waxy like substance that is found in the walls of all your body cells, from your nervous system to your liver and in your blood stream as well. Your body uses this cholesterol to make necessary hormones, bile acids, vitamin D and other vital substances that your body needs to survive. There are good and bad types of cholesterol as well
Where does the Cholesterol in your body come from?
Your body manufacturers all the cholesterol your body requires from the foods you eat. This cholesterol will circulate in your bloodstream in packages known as lipoproteins, which consist of fat inside and protein on the outside. Cholesterol which is a fatty substance does not mix with the blood, just as oil does not mix with water. Your blood carries it to the parts of the body where it is required as mentioned above
Your Body has 2 Types of cholesterol in your body, both good and bad!.
Your body carries two types of cholesterol one which is good for your health and the other bad… These are known as low density lipoprotein or LDL which is the bad cholesterol which carries cholesterol that builds up in your body tissues including your heart arteries. Most cholesterol in your blood at any given time is the LDL cholesterol. The higher the levels are of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream; the higher your dangers are of contracting heart disease. So remember LDL is the bad cholesterol and you don’t want high levels of this type in your body.
The good Cholesterol in your body is called HDL cholesterol. This cholesterol carries cholesterol away from your tissues to your liver where it is harmlessly removed from your body by natural secretion. Low levels of HDL increase heart disease. Healthy levels of HDL are good for you. Do not get mixed up between the two.
Why are high levels of LDL Cholesterol bad for your body?
Too much cholesterol in your blood leads to blocked and clogged up body tissues including your heart arteries. This build up is called plaque and as a result your arteries become less flexible. You may have heard the term atherosclerosis; which is hardening of your arteries and as you know the end result can be a heart attack. It is not just your heart blood vessels that can suffer from too much cholesterol, but any of the arteries in your body as well. If your coronary artery becomes blocked by too much plaque you will suffer angina because your blood is unable to get the oxygen it needs or the nutrients to the heart muscle. Hardening of the coronary artery is called coronary heart disease which you may likely by now have heard somewhere or another. This form of heart disease is becoming common in the western world due to high cholesterol in the blood from; Yes; and you guessed it; from unhealthy eating habits!
The risk factors.
Certain risk factors nothing can be done about regarding heart diseases and cholesterol levels. These factors where risks of heart disease are increased, are age groups for men and women over 45, which are ages that will increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease from atherosclerosis. Family history of early heart disease is also a factor that must be taken into consideration. The lack of regular exercise and bad eating habits increase the risk of heart disease from cholesterol as well. Most fast foods are prepared in unhealthy fats which is a high risk factor more than anything else as well…
How to lower your risks of high cholesterol.
Perhaps you have heard some of these tips before but it is prudent to go over them again for your information:
1 Avoid foods with high animal fat content. Trim excess fat off meat
2. Eat Lots of fruit, vegetables, and fiber for your health
3. Eat less salt in your diet and limit salty snacks and foods.
4. Lose some weight if you are carrying too much according to your BMI (Body Mass Index)
5. Regular sensible exercise in moderation and plenty of fresh air.
6. Stay calm and avoid stressful situations.
7. Limit your alcohol intake to a sensible level.
8. Smoke less, or give up altogether if possible.
Other treatments that can be used if your doctor has found you to have unhealthy levels of cholesterol are certain drugs called ‘statins’ that will control the rate which your body produces cholesterol. These drugs increase HDL and lower the bad LDL cholesterols. See above about what we mentioned about the good and bad cholesterols.
Watch your diet and eat healthily
Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado pears, peanut butter, unsalted nuts and fish oils. Try and limit intakes of salt, polyunsaturated fats, sunflower oils, soft margarines and salad dressings like mayonnaise. (Some newer soft low cholesterol margarine is available on the market that is completely safe to use nowadays though).
Watch out particularly to avoid eating too much animal fats on meats, eat less eggs, cheese, fatty meats, butter, and ice creams and of course take out foods. Naturally you can eat any of the above as long as you are sensible about it. Everyone tells you to eat more fiber, and by now with this advice it should be a given. If you are not eating enough greens or fresh vegetables then take some sort of antioxidants or supplements. Cut down drinking of alcohol to one or two drinks a day.
There is some great advice and diets that have been designed to help people with high cholesterol reduce these high levels. With a little research you will find the right ways to control your cholesterol.
More Heart Health Information Here
Caffeinated Content
Fish Oil For Heart Health is a Winner!
Diana Ketchen asked:
Fish oil for heart and overall health benefits have been the hot topic for quite some time, and for good reason. You’ve heard about it on the news, the web, and have probably even seen it headlined in some of your local newspapers. Almost everyone owns at least one bottle of these oil supplements. The oil comes from cold water fish such as Hoki, tuna, salmon, cod, and mackerel. Fortunately, it can be derived from these food sources and manifested into supplement form, making it easier to obtain the appropriate daily amount.
Doctors usually recommend fish oil for heart benefits for their cardiovascular patients. Even if you have never suffered a heart attack or have heart issues, you should still take this daily supplement. The heart is a muscle and it needs as much care and conditioning that it can get. One of the things that this oil can do for your heart health is lower bad cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol levels sometimes do not know it, but consuming foods such as cheese cakes, foods cooked in grease, cookies, cakes, virtually all fast foods, bagels, ice cream, milk, beef, and pork can play a major contribution in developing it.
You do not have to be overweight to have bad cholesterol. As a matter of fact, you do not even have to be old. High cholesterol and heart disease go hand in hand, it is better take preventative measures now, before the problems begin to set in. This fish supplement actually lowers bad cholesterol and increases your good cholesterol, which to can lead to an overall healthy heart.
When fats begin to build on the artery walls inside of the fatty deposits of the heart, they create the perfect scene for a heart attack, which can be deadly if not caught beforehand. Eating foods similar to those listed above can cause these fats to build, and lead to more heart complications. Taking fish oil for heart benefits can stop these fatty deposits from multiplying, thus protecting you from future heart attacks.
The oil also contains omega 3 fatty acids. These acids can serve as a natural blood thinner and prevent the platelets from forming a clot, which can be life-saving. Taking fish oil for heart benefits is one of the most educated decisions you will ever make. Along with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, your heart will be strong and protected. However, if you are on other medications for your heart, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new health supplements.
Those who have allergies to cold water fish should take caution before consuming a fish oil for heart supplement. You are going to find that you can move better and feel happier due to it’s joint and psychological benefits. These supplements naturally uplift the mood, contain fats that are readily able to digest like EPA and DHA, lessen inflammation in the body, and best of all, promote heart health in ways that nothing else can compare to.
Caffeinated Content
Fish oil for heart and overall health benefits have been the hot topic for quite some time, and for good reason. You’ve heard about it on the news, the web, and have probably even seen it headlined in some of your local newspapers. Almost everyone owns at least one bottle of these oil supplements. The oil comes from cold water fish such as Hoki, tuna, salmon, cod, and mackerel. Fortunately, it can be derived from these food sources and manifested into supplement form, making it easier to obtain the appropriate daily amount.
Doctors usually recommend fish oil for heart benefits for their cardiovascular patients. Even if you have never suffered a heart attack or have heart issues, you should still take this daily supplement. The heart is a muscle and it needs as much care and conditioning that it can get. One of the things that this oil can do for your heart health is lower bad cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol levels sometimes do not know it, but consuming foods such as cheese cakes, foods cooked in grease, cookies, cakes, virtually all fast foods, bagels, ice cream, milk, beef, and pork can play a major contribution in developing it.
You do not have to be overweight to have bad cholesterol. As a matter of fact, you do not even have to be old. High cholesterol and heart disease go hand in hand, it is better take preventative measures now, before the problems begin to set in. This fish supplement actually lowers bad cholesterol and increases your good cholesterol, which to can lead to an overall healthy heart.
When fats begin to build on the artery walls inside of the fatty deposits of the heart, they create the perfect scene for a heart attack, which can be deadly if not caught beforehand. Eating foods similar to those listed above can cause these fats to build, and lead to more heart complications. Taking fish oil for heart benefits can stop these fatty deposits from multiplying, thus protecting you from future heart attacks.
The oil also contains omega 3 fatty acids. These acids can serve as a natural blood thinner and prevent the platelets from forming a clot, which can be life-saving. Taking fish oil for heart benefits is one of the most educated decisions you will ever make. Along with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, your heart will be strong and protected. However, if you are on other medications for your heart, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new health supplements.
Those who have allergies to cold water fish should take caution before consuming a fish oil for heart supplement. You are going to find that you can move better and feel happier due to it’s joint and psychological benefits. These supplements naturally uplift the mood, contain fats that are readily able to digest like EPA and DHA, lessen inflammation in the body, and best of all, promote heart health in ways that nothing else can compare to.
Caffeinated Content
Alcohol and the Benefits to your Heart Health
S. Michael Windsor asked:
Alcohol and the Benefits to Your Heart Health
After countless studies have been conducted on how alcohol affects our cardiovascular health, many extraordinary results have been discovered. Namely, how moderate consumption of alcohol actually helps our heart. There are numerous ways in which alcohol helps our heart, but we will merely be looking at the surface of what benefits drinking 1-2 drinks per day can provide.
As most of us have already heard, red wine has a very beneficial element that can help improve our health. Red wine contains polyphenol antioxidants which assist in fighting cardiovascular diseases as well as many other diseases and conditions such as thrombosis, or blood clotting.
Drinking moderately has not only also shown that it can help prevent blood clotting and blood clotters like fibrinogen; it also can increase your HDL cholesterol levels, which is the good cholesterol. In addition to these wonderful attributes, alcohol consumption in moderation can help alleviate artery stress spasms, increase insulin sensitivities, while improving blood flow.
Not only is it a good thing for individuals to drink alcohol moderately, but many doctors use alcohol in treatments for such things as improving artery walls in addition to alcohol’s healing attributes.
Studies have shown that those who drink moderately tend to live longer and healthier lives, as opposed to those who remain abstinent or are heavy drinkers, after reviewing the results. Also, tests have shown that those who drink alcohol moderately also help prevent heart attacks and/or the survivability of a heart attack. This also demonstrated that those moderate drinkers who did have a heart attack were less likely to have another heart attack.
In addition to heart health alone, alcohol has the ability to prevent strokes. However, it is important to remember that this is in reference to a moderate amount of alcohol regularly. Individuals who drink more than a moderate amount, such as heavy drinkers, do raise the bar and provide themselves with a higher risk of stroke as well as many other health risks.
There are many more benefits to moderate consumption of alcohol, as we discuss in other articles as well as at The Hangover Network website. But, as for alcohol and our cardiovascular health, it seems that alcohol is indeed becoming more and more realized as a preventative measure against many different types of diseases and conditions versus an alcohol free or heavy alcohol consumption lifestyle. Please remember that these statements are based on tests done by organizations and colleges such as Harvard Medical, The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), World Health Organization, and The American Heart Association.
Kansieo.com
Alcohol and the Benefits to Your Heart Health
After countless studies have been conducted on how alcohol affects our cardiovascular health, many extraordinary results have been discovered. Namely, how moderate consumption of alcohol actually helps our heart. There are numerous ways in which alcohol helps our heart, but we will merely be looking at the surface of what benefits drinking 1-2 drinks per day can provide.
As most of us have already heard, red wine has a very beneficial element that can help improve our health. Red wine contains polyphenol antioxidants which assist in fighting cardiovascular diseases as well as many other diseases and conditions such as thrombosis, or blood clotting.
Drinking moderately has not only also shown that it can help prevent blood clotting and blood clotters like fibrinogen; it also can increase your HDL cholesterol levels, which is the good cholesterol. In addition to these wonderful attributes, alcohol consumption in moderation can help alleviate artery stress spasms, increase insulin sensitivities, while improving blood flow.
Not only is it a good thing for individuals to drink alcohol moderately, but many doctors use alcohol in treatments for such things as improving artery walls in addition to alcohol’s healing attributes.
Studies have shown that those who drink moderately tend to live longer and healthier lives, as opposed to those who remain abstinent or are heavy drinkers, after reviewing the results. Also, tests have shown that those who drink alcohol moderately also help prevent heart attacks and/or the survivability of a heart attack. This also demonstrated that those moderate drinkers who did have a heart attack were less likely to have another heart attack.
In addition to heart health alone, alcohol has the ability to prevent strokes. However, it is important to remember that this is in reference to a moderate amount of alcohol regularly. Individuals who drink more than a moderate amount, such as heavy drinkers, do raise the bar and provide themselves with a higher risk of stroke as well as many other health risks.
There are many more benefits to moderate consumption of alcohol, as we discuss in other articles as well as at The Hangover Network website. But, as for alcohol and our cardiovascular health, it seems that alcohol is indeed becoming more and more realized as a preventative measure against many different types of diseases and conditions versus an alcohol free or heavy alcohol consumption lifestyle. Please remember that these statements are based on tests done by organizations and colleges such as Harvard Medical, The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), World Health Organization, and The American Heart Association.
Kansieo.com
Discover the Benefits of Fish Oil for Heart Health: Fight Heart Disease the Natural Way
Therese Samson asked:
Have you heard about the benefits of fish oil for your heart? Are you wondering whether you really need to take a supplement or eat more fish? Let me take a little of your time to tell you about how your heart can benefit, even if you don’t suffer from heart disease.
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel contain essential fatty acids called omega 3s. The main omega 3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These are not readily produced by your body on its own so it’s necessary to get adequate amounts from either food or supplements.
Fish oil benefits for heart health have been shown through numerous clinical studies.
Blood triglycerides are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease but many clinical studies have shown that omega 3s can lower these blood fats.
DHA has also been shown to increase the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol that is essential for good health) and reduce the level of LDL particles (the bad cholesterol).
Mild hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with cardiovascular disease can be reduced. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help to avoid blood clots by preventing platelets sticking together.
DHA can lower heart rates and prevent disturbances in your heart’s rhythm, which decreases the chances of a heart attack.
Finally, the essential fatty acids stimulate blood circulation and increase the breakdown of the compound involved in clots and scar formation. People suffering from conditions such as varicose veins and Raynaud’s disease can get relief from consuming more DHA and EPA.
The best sources of fish oil
Ideally, we would be able to get all the omega 3s we need by simply eating more fish. Unfortunately, this is not without risks. Many species are contaminated by toxins and heavy metals so the advantages of eating them could be outweighed by the dangers.
So what’s the alternative?
Supplements are an increasingly popular way to get the body’s essential fatty acids without the risks of contamination. The very best supplements will be made from species taken from areas where toxins are low or non-existent, such as the Southern Ocean.
You can get more information about the many other benefits of fish oil (such as its role in preventing brain disorders, skin problems and arthritis), as well as help with finding the best supplements, at my website.
Caffeinated Content for WordPress
Have you heard about the benefits of fish oil for your heart? Are you wondering whether you really need to take a supplement or eat more fish? Let me take a little of your time to tell you about how your heart can benefit, even if you don’t suffer from heart disease.
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel contain essential fatty acids called omega 3s. The main omega 3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These are not readily produced by your body on its own so it’s necessary to get adequate amounts from either food or supplements.
Fish oil benefits for heart health have been shown through numerous clinical studies.
Blood triglycerides are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease but many clinical studies have shown that omega 3s can lower these blood fats.
DHA has also been shown to increase the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol that is essential for good health) and reduce the level of LDL particles (the bad cholesterol).
Mild hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with cardiovascular disease can be reduced. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help to avoid blood clots by preventing platelets sticking together.
DHA can lower heart rates and prevent disturbances in your heart’s rhythm, which decreases the chances of a heart attack.
Finally, the essential fatty acids stimulate blood circulation and increase the breakdown of the compound involved in clots and scar formation. People suffering from conditions such as varicose veins and Raynaud’s disease can get relief from consuming more DHA and EPA.
The best sources of fish oil
Ideally, we would be able to get all the omega 3s we need by simply eating more fish. Unfortunately, this is not without risks. Many species are contaminated by toxins and heavy metals so the advantages of eating them could be outweighed by the dangers.
So what’s the alternative?
Supplements are an increasingly popular way to get the body’s essential fatty acids without the risks of contamination. The very best supplements will be made from species taken from areas where toxins are low or non-existent, such as the Southern Ocean.
You can get more information about the many other benefits of fish oil (such as its role in preventing brain disorders, skin problems and arthritis), as well as help with finding the best supplements, at my website.
Caffeinated Content for WordPress
Maintaining Heart Health With Cholesterol Drugs
Michelle Bery asked:
Today’s health-conscious culture is one that is pointedly focused on keeping certain bodily systems in line; we know that by paying close attention to such important levels as blood pressure, sugars, and cholesterol, we can put certain protective measures in place to keep our hearts and our bodies healthy. One of the ways in which we can accomplish this is with the help of cholesterol drugs.
Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by our liver and found in our body’s cells and bloodstream. Its purpose – in moderate levels – is to help build cell membranes, produce hormones, and metabolize fats. The health risks associated with cholesterol stem from its overproduction. For cholesterol to be filtered through the liver and delivered to the appropriate cells it relies on carriers called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins – or HDLs – are considered to be our “good” cholesterol – that which filters cholesterol away from our arteries and back to our liver. LDLs – low-density lipoproteins – are considered to be our “bad” cholesterol. When our levels of LDLs are elevated, the cholesterol forms a type of plaque that builds up on artery walls – constricting arteries and setting us up for possible heart disease and stroke.
The ways in which we manage cholesterol levels – keeping HDLs high and LDLs low – is through a healthy diet that limits foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat, for instance, is high in both, and when eaten on a regular basis can significantly impact the cholesterol levels in our body. While foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – such as fish and olive oils – raise HDLs and help our bodies eliminate bad cholesterol while strengthening our hearts.
But when diet isn’t enough to keep cholesterol levels in check, we often turn to cholesterol drugs to assist in the battle. Genetics can not be overlooked when it comes to cholesterol and sometimes it requires an extra measure or two to keep us at our healthiest.
It is estimated that over ten million people today take cholesterol drugs to help keep their levels in check. The type of cholesterol drugs ordinarily given to patients are known as statins – drugs that work to lower bad cholesterol. Among the most popularly used drugs today are Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Crestor.
Research has shown that these cholesterol drugs administered appropriately – and in conjunction with proper diet and exercise – can lower cholesterol almost as much as sixty percent. This means, that for people whose genetic make-up requires more than diet to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, cholesterol drugs can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining heart health well into the future.
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Today’s health-conscious culture is one that is pointedly focused on keeping certain bodily systems in line; we know that by paying close attention to such important levels as blood pressure, sugars, and cholesterol, we can put certain protective measures in place to keep our hearts and our bodies healthy. One of the ways in which we can accomplish this is with the help of cholesterol drugs.
Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by our liver and found in our body’s cells and bloodstream. Its purpose – in moderate levels – is to help build cell membranes, produce hormones, and metabolize fats. The health risks associated with cholesterol stem from its overproduction. For cholesterol to be filtered through the liver and delivered to the appropriate cells it relies on carriers called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins – or HDLs – are considered to be our “good” cholesterol – that which filters cholesterol away from our arteries and back to our liver. LDLs – low-density lipoproteins – are considered to be our “bad” cholesterol. When our levels of LDLs are elevated, the cholesterol forms a type of plaque that builds up on artery walls – constricting arteries and setting us up for possible heart disease and stroke.
The ways in which we manage cholesterol levels – keeping HDLs high and LDLs low – is through a healthy diet that limits foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat, for instance, is high in both, and when eaten on a regular basis can significantly impact the cholesterol levels in our body. While foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – such as fish and olive oils – raise HDLs and help our bodies eliminate bad cholesterol while strengthening our hearts.
But when diet isn’t enough to keep cholesterol levels in check, we often turn to cholesterol drugs to assist in the battle. Genetics can not be overlooked when it comes to cholesterol and sometimes it requires an extra measure or two to keep us at our healthiest.
It is estimated that over ten million people today take cholesterol drugs to help keep their levels in check. The type of cholesterol drugs ordinarily given to patients are known as statins – drugs that work to lower bad cholesterol. Among the most popularly used drugs today are Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Crestor.
Research has shown that these cholesterol drugs administered appropriately – and in conjunction with proper diet and exercise – can lower cholesterol almost as much as sixty percent. This means, that for people whose genetic make-up requires more than diet to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, cholesterol drugs can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining heart health well into the future.
Caffeinated Content
Latest Discussion on Heart Health!
daveclark asked:
Hearth health has become the biggest concern among people around the world these days. Now people are better informed and have gained information through various researches and clinical trials, they are more conscious about their heart health and have better control over their heart than their predecessors thus reducing risks of hearth related ailments to a large extent.
Numerous researches have been conducted on heart health. The talk on ‘statins’ also figures prominently in discussion about the heart. Statins have been highly helpful in controlling cholesterol levels in the people suffering from heart disease. Statins act by effectively lowering the LDL (levels of bad cholesterol); though, they do slightly affect raising HDL (the levels of good cholesterol).
In the latest researches, it has been found that those who have had a heart attack or some other cardiac problem get more benefit by the immediate high-dose statin therapy.
Main advantages of statins are as follows:
Statin acts to reduce the risk of death, heart attack and it also minimizes the need for cardiac procedures.
Statin therapy proves beneficial for people with high levels of C – reactive protein (a substance in the liver, produced by the inflammation of arteries). It must be noted here that one can have low cholesterol but still s/he might be at the high risk of heart problem; if s/he has high levels of C-reactive protein.
It has been found that statins are not only safe but also a well-tolerated in the majority of patients using it.
In another research conducted in mice, it has been found that leafy greens can prove beneficial in reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke. It is due to the fact that nutrients in the veggies protect the heart from getting damaged. To reach at this conclusion, some mice were provided with the drinking water that contained nitrites or nitrates while others were given plain drinking water.
After a week’s time, the mice were given an induced heart attack to study their heart after the attack. It was found that the mice having nitrite or nitrate contained water had less heart attack damage compared to those mice that were drinking plain water. Diets comprising of cauliflower, spinach, collard greens, meat and broccoli are ideal.
In the ayurvedic approach to have good heart health, it has been pointed out that practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice in a day leaves a positive and considerable effect on the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. It plays a vital role in reducing pain in a number of patients if practiced regularly. However, the experts have added that meditation is used only as a supplement, so it must not be taken as a substitute to the existing heart problem therapy.
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Hearth health has become the biggest concern among people around the world these days. Now people are better informed and have gained information through various researches and clinical trials, they are more conscious about their heart health and have better control over their heart than their predecessors thus reducing risks of hearth related ailments to a large extent.
Numerous researches have been conducted on heart health. The talk on ‘statins’ also figures prominently in discussion about the heart. Statins have been highly helpful in controlling cholesterol levels in the people suffering from heart disease. Statins act by effectively lowering the LDL (levels of bad cholesterol); though, they do slightly affect raising HDL (the levels of good cholesterol).
In the latest researches, it has been found that those who have had a heart attack or some other cardiac problem get more benefit by the immediate high-dose statin therapy.
Main advantages of statins are as follows:
Statin acts to reduce the risk of death, heart attack and it also minimizes the need for cardiac procedures.
Statin therapy proves beneficial for people with high levels of C – reactive protein (a substance in the liver, produced by the inflammation of arteries). It must be noted here that one can have low cholesterol but still s/he might be at the high risk of heart problem; if s/he has high levels of C-reactive protein.
It has been found that statins are not only safe but also a well-tolerated in the majority of patients using it.
In another research conducted in mice, it has been found that leafy greens can prove beneficial in reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke. It is due to the fact that nutrients in the veggies protect the heart from getting damaged. To reach at this conclusion, some mice were provided with the drinking water that contained nitrites or nitrates while others were given plain drinking water.
After a week’s time, the mice were given an induced heart attack to study their heart after the attack. It was found that the mice having nitrite or nitrate contained water had less heart attack damage compared to those mice that were drinking plain water. Diets comprising of cauliflower, spinach, collard greens, meat and broccoli are ideal.
In the ayurvedic approach to have good heart health, it has been pointed out that practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice in a day leaves a positive and considerable effect on the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. It plays a vital role in reducing pain in a number of patients if practiced regularly. However, the experts have added that meditation is used only as a supplement, so it must not be taken as a substitute to the existing heart problem therapy.
Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress