A Healthy Heart and Understanding Cholesterol
Whenever the topic of conversation turns to health, weight loss and diet, it is very likely that cholesterol and heart health will be mentioned at one point or another. People these days are very wary of their cholesterol intake, primarily because of the horror stories they have heard about what this substance can do to their bodies and impending heart disease. But the truth is that cholesterol is not bad in itself. In fact, it is an essential substance needed by the human body for various natural process. The real danger starts when we take in much more cholesterol than the body needs.
Moderation is the Key
The human body only needs a very small amount of cholesterol to perform its functions, and the excess is supposedly flushed away, along with other bodily wastes. However, excessive cholesterol buildup is very hard to eliminate. It stays in the bloodstream and eventually becomes a major blockage in the veins and arteries, reducing the healthy flow of blood throughout the body. When this happens, the heart is forced to exert more pressure and you will be at a very high risk for heart attack, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Because of the severe health risks involved, it is crucial for everyone to monitor their cholesterol levels on a regular basis. As soon as it gets past the healthy level, steps should be taken in order to bring it down to a manageable number. The most recommended solutions to a high cholesterol count are regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest and for the more serious cases, regular medication.
Types of Cholesterol
The cholesterol found in the human body can be classified into two types: the LDL or low density lipoproteins, and the HDL or high density lipoproteins. LDL, sometimes referred to as the bad cholesterol, is the type that accumulates in the bloodstream and hinders bloodflow. HDL, on the other hand, is also known as the good cholesterol. Studies show that higher levels of HDL actually prevent heart attacks, because they help with the flushing out of excess cholesterol from the body.
A lot of heart attacks these days are attributed to high cholesterol levels, but this doesn’t have to happen to you. You just have to understand what cholesterol is and learn the different methods you can follow to keep your own cholesterol count down. It is also important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly so you should consult with your doctor as to when and how often you should go for a cholesterol screening.
Heart Health Is Not Just About Cholesterol
Remember cholesterol is not the only consideration you need to make to maintain a healthy heart. There are many reasons you can have a problem with ensuring a healthy heart. There are too many misconceptions and untruths about cholesterol and heart disease.
