Facts about Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Cholesterol is natural occurring fat present in the body. It is produced by the liver and is a component of various body tissues and fluid. Cholesterol is used for the production of various hormones like Vitamin D and bile acids. It occurs in the blood as combinations of fats and proteins, called lipoproteins. There are some misconception about cholesterol and heart disease. Not all cholesterol causes heart disease.

Linkage between Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Most of the cholesterol in the blood is low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the cholesterol that can clog up the arteries. Hence, high level of LDL increases the risk of heart disease. The other type of cholesterol, the high-density lipoproteins (HDL), is the 'good' cholesterol. It helps to prevent atherosclerosis, which the narrowing of the arteries through formation of fatty deposits. While cholesterol has been linked to

Prevent a Cholesterol and Heart Disease Problem

To prevent a cholesterol and heart disease problem, a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential. Regular exercises will strengthen the heart muscle as well. Avoiding excess consumption of saturated fats, excessive alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking will help to prevent cholesterol and heart disease problem. Medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes should be properly controlled to avoid aggravating heart disease problem. People who are overweight should strive to reduce their weight to a healthy level through exercise and a proper diet.

If high cholesterol level is present despite the best effort, there are medications, which can lower the low-density lipoproteins level. However, this is not a solution by itself. A proper diet and healthy habits should still be adhered.

While there are some risk factors, such as age and family history, which cannot be completely negated, these simple measures for a healthy lifestyle will help to reduce the risk of cholesterol and heart disease problems.

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