Types, Symptoms And Treatment Of Cholesterol

By Author: Make HealthEasy
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Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the bile inside our body which plays an essential role in the proper functioning of our body. But the amount needed should be at normal levels. When the cholesterol exceeds the required levels, it interferes with the normal flow of blood in the arteries. This can cause high blood pressure which leads to a heart attack. Our body contains two types of cholesterol termed LDL (Low-density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-density Lipoprotein). HDL type of cholesterol is produced inside our body by an organ named bile. It is a known fact that cholesterol does not dissolve in blood. The LDL type of cholesterol is introduced into the body by eating cheese, butter, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish and is often among the causes of high cholesterol. This LDL type is called bad cholesterol as it causes hardening of coronary artery (blood vessel supplying blood from the heart to minor arteries) which can cause heart attack and even death.

The body is unable to burn this type of fat, and is considered harmful. The HDL on the other ...
... hand is considered to be good cholesterol as it carries cholesterol back to the liver for elimination and away from the arteries thereby lessening the risk of clogs. Studies have revealed that HDL cleans excess cholesterol in the arteries thereby slowing down blockages therein. Both types of cholesterol have to be controlled at a time to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Once diagnosed, treatment of cholesterol levels exceeding the normal limits should be done at the earliest.

Symptoms of high cholesterol are very rare and levels are usually measured through blood tests. A person can determine the need for blood testing by monitoring self activities and also self examination. Those with low physical activities, and go about without any exercise are more prone to high cholesterol. A person with diet high in fat content should have regular tests to look out for cholesterol levels. These tests focus on fats or lipids in the blood. As arteries and veins in the legs get clogged due to plaque or fat, recurrent leg pains are reported as symptoms of high cholesterol. Serious disorders often develop as a result of elevated levels of cholesterol and include gall stones, heart disease, or hypertension to name a few. Stress causes blood pressure levels to rise and this contributes to high cholesterol in blood.

Cholesterol levels can affect one's health and can increase risks of stroke or heart attack. Treatment of cholesterol levels that exceed normal limits is essential to decreasing such risks and controlling it through diet and lifestyle changes requires effort. But the side effects associated with associated medications make it worth a try. Treatments include exercising daily, including fresh vegetables and fruits in daily diet, along with yoga and meditation help a lot in keeping levels in control. Avoiding a diet high in fat and protein content, giving up smoking, scheduling daily activities, managing stress. These are great lifestyle changes that help keep a healthy cholesterol level and live life to the full.