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High Cholesterol Is Levels Need Medical Intervention and Lifestyle Changes
Cholesterol is a substance which is essential to the normal function of the body as it is used in the production of hormones and bile acids. However, when present in excessive quantities, this can lead to life threatening complications. Managing it with prescription drugs such as Lipitor which are freely available in Canada online pharmacies is important for long term control of the illness. Cholesterol which is not utilized by the body is deposited in the arteries, causing this plaque build up to narrow the arteries and reduces or blocks the blood supply. This can happen to different parts of the body and the repercussions can be fatal. For example, when the coronary arteries are blocked with cholesterol deposits, angina or chest pain can result in while the risks of heart attacks can increase while blockages in carotid arteries can cause strokes by blocked bloody supply to the brain. When peripheral artery disease results from cholesterol deposits, the leg arteries are blocked, causing difficulties in walking. In addition to the adverse health effects resulting from blocked arteries, there is also the risk of plaques rapture which can result in blood clots. Blood clots in arteries can be life threatening, completely cutting off blood supply to critical organs or areas of body and cells may die from lack of oxygen. In the case of blockage to heart, brain or lungs the outcomes can be deadly.
Acceptable Levels of Cholesterol
It is important that people be aware of the desirable and acceptable levels of blood cholesterol levels, so that they can interpret their cholesterol risk levels after taking a random lipid profile blood test. Here is a simple guideline.
Total cholesterol
Desirable level : Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high risk : 200-239 mg/dL
High risk: 240 and over
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
Desirable Level: Greater than 60mg/dL
High risk : Less than 40 mg/dL (men) less than 50 mg/dL (women):
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
Optimal : Less than 100 mg/dL
Boarder line high : 130-159 mg/dL
High : 160- 189 mg/dL
Vey High :190 mg/dL and above
Where Does Cholesterol Come From?
While most think that cholesterol comes only form our food, 80% of total cholesterol is in fact produced by the liver. The rest of the cholesterol comes from animal products such as meats, fish, eggs and diary items. Seafood such as prawns and shells are very high in cholesterol content while organ meats as liver and gizzards also have high in this content. Contrary to the popular belief that some type of cooking oil such as palm oil contains cholesterol, foods of plant origin does not contribute cholesterol. However, plant based food with high saturated fat content can indirectly affect the cholesterol levels as it increase the HDL lipids and increase risks associated with cholesterol.
Understanding LDL and HDL Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol in our body termed as LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol or the Low Density Lipoprotein is considered as the bad cholesterol. Its job is to transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream to the various body tissues. The HDL is the main culprit of clogged arteries, forming of blood clots and heart attacks and angina as it deposits cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. This deposit is called plaque, and over time narrows the tubular walls of the arteries which is called atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol or high density lipoprotein in contrast, consist of high level of protein and small amounts of cholesterol. These help breakdown the plaque and cleanse the arteries of LDL deposits.
Reasons for High Cholesterol
It is important to understand the reasons behind high cholesterol in a person. Then, the required dietary changes and medications can be used to control the situation and reduce the associated health risks. The main contributing factors are diet, obesity, lack of exercise or hereditary conditions. When persons have heredity conditions that produce high levels of LDL in their blood, controlling of diet alone is not sufficient. But when people have high LDL due to their life style, change in foods in the diet as well as amounts of exercise can helps reduce obesity as well we manage cholesterol levels. It is also known that fish oil and other foods rich with Omega 3 fats can help reduce LDL and increase HDL in the body. Alcohol such as wines consumed in moderation is also known to help reduce LDL although results from studies are not yet conclusive to be generalized.
Cholesterol Treatment Drugs
There are number of medications prescribed for managing cholesterol. The most common group of drugs call in to Statin group and include drugs such as Atoryastatin, Lovastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simyastatin, and Pravachol. There are also Bile acid sequestrants such as Cholestyramine, Colestipoland Colesevelam that are prescribed to eliminate cholesterol containing bile acid along with stools. Another category of drugs used in treating cholesterol are grouped as Cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Some of the common drugs in this category are Ezetimibe. There is also the Fibrates category of drugs including Gemfibroziland Fenofibrate. Some physicians may also prescribe Nicotinic acid or Niacin.
High cholesterol as a health condition cannot be detected without lipid profile testing with blood samples. It is important to understand that although high cholesterol does not display any direct symptoms, it is directly related to the high risks in coronary heart deceases, blood clots and strokes. Therefore, regular blood tests and managing diet, and life style is important to avoid aggravate conditions of high cholesterol. However if you are suffering from hereditary conditions where the body is producing excessive amounts of cholesterol, medical treatment is essential.
