Cholesterol: Questions To Ask Your Doctor

By HelloLife

Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: the good and the bad.

The good cholesterol is called HDL, which are the high density lipoproteins.This type of cholesterol protects the arterial walls by preventing fat buildup.It also carries cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is properly processed and eliminated.This type of cholesterol helps the body's tissues and hormones to function properly.

The bad cholesterol is called LDL, which are the low density lipoproteins.This type of cholesterol clogs and blocks arteries, which results in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Triglycerides are another form of fat that we eat.The culmination of good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides make up the total cholesterol level.

Our bodies produce about 1000mg of cholesterol daily.The modern day diet provides another 500-900mg daily.This is what gets us into trouble.Our bodies make almost all the cholesterol we need; we should only be eating 300mg more daily.

Why is it so important to control my cholesterol levels?

Elevated bad cholesterol levels increase risk for heart disease and stroke.Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans.

Questions to ask your doctor

1.What cholesterol numbers do I want?

Generally, the bad cholesterol number should be below 100 and the good cholesterol number should be 40 or above.Triglycerides should be below 150.However, if you have heart disease or are prone to heart disease, you should strive for a lower bad cholesterol number and a higher good cholesterol number.

Another way to find the ideal cholesterol number is to divide your total cholesterol level by the good cholesterol level.If the number is higher than 4.5, a high risk of heart disease is indicated.If the number is lower than 3.5, it's considered no risk.

2.Who's considered high risk for high cholesterol levels?

Those who smoke, those with high blood pressure, those with low good cholesterol levels, those with a family history of high cholesterol, men over 45 years of age, and women over 55 years of age.

3.Will exercise help my cholesterol levels?

Yes.If you're not used to working out, start small.If you live a sedentary life, you may want to walk just five minutes two or three days for the first week.If you live a moderately active life, you may want to walk for 30 minutes most days in the week.If you're very active, try to walk 30 minutes every day this week.

Exercise has tremendous influence to lower triglyceride levels.

4.Does smoking affect my cholesterol levels?

Yes!Smoking actually lowers good cholesterol levels.And smoking is on the list of high risk for cholesterol levels.

5.What cholesterol-lowering foods should I eat?

You should eat more soluble fiber foods.These foods include beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, dried peas, oats, oranges, and pears.

Foods with minimal saturated fats include fish, fruits, lean meats, skinless poultry, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

Starch and fiber-enriched foods are recommended.This includes breads, cereals, fruits, grains, pasta, and vegetables.

Choose foods low in fat.Choose canola, olive, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oils when cooking.

Foods high in cholesterol like animal fats should be avoided.

Limit your salt intake to 2400mg daily.

Reduce refined sugar foods.

6.How does my weight affect my cholesterol levels?

To begin with, overweight people are at risk for heart disease.Being overweight also increases bad cholesterol levels.

Losing weight lowers the bad cholesterol levels and raises the good cholesterol levels.

An ideal goal is:a man's waist measurement should not be more than 40 inches, and a woman's waist measurement should not be more than 35 inches.

7.How does alcohol affect my cholesterol levels?

The evidence has never been reputed.Alcohol increases triglyceride levels.When coupled with high cholesterol, the drinker becomes a target for health concerns.

Photo Credit: marv117