| Striving for ideal cholesterol levels is one of the things | | | | way, He can have a more accurate measurement of |
| that you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease | | | | your cardiovascular condition. |
| and stroke. But, even if your levels are currently low | | | | A fasting blood glucose level might also be ordered at |
| and can be classified as normal, it's still smart to eat a | | | | the same time. This test can identify pre-diabetes. |
| heart-healthy diet food, be physically active and | | | | Type II diabetes is another risk factor for poor cardio |
| avoiding smoking of tobacco (especially the smoking | | | | health, but it has been shown in numerous studies that |
| part.. it's a bad habit that causes cholesterol in your | | | | lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent pre-diabetes |
| blood to be oxidized). | | | | from becoming type II diabetes. |
| Those are the recommendations made by the | | | | After you get the test result, ask as much information |
| American Heart Association. The Association | | | | as possible from your doctor about what it means. |
| emphasizes the importance of weight control by | | | | The ideal cholesterol levels for a man are less than |
| maintaining a healthy weight, as well. | | | | 200mg total, 40-50mg or higher for HDL and less than |
| Once a person passes the age of 20, they should | | | | 100mg of LDL. This is very similar to those of a |
| have their blood serum levels checked every five | | | | woman, but the average HDL level is slightly lower for |
| years to monitor the danger signs of unusual | | | | a man than for a woman. When it comes to HDL, |
| cholesterol level. Borderline or high numbers can be | | | | higher is better. |
| predictors of heart disease. The important factors | | | | There are several ways to increase the HDL level, so |
| include total triglycerides, total HDL and total LDL count. | | | | it will reach the safe LDL-HDL ratio, which is 4.4:1. Do a |
| As we all know well, LDL builds up in the blood vessels | | | | little calculation by yourself after you get your test |
| and arteries, while HDL carries LDL back to the liver | | | | result. If your level is higher than this standard, you may |
| for reprocessing or excretion. | | | | need a special treatment or medicine from your |
| Only a portion of total circulating cholesterol comes | | | | doctor. |
| from diet. This is the part we are able of controlling. | | | | Increasing intake of omega3 fatty acids can help. |
| The rest, an average of 1 gram per day, is produced | | | | Dietary sources include fish, walnuts and flax seed oil. |
| within the liver. Things that stimulate this production | | | | Canola oil is also a good source and should be used |
| include excessive alcohol intake and eating simple | | | | for cooking or baking. |
| carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates from fruits | | | | Getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity on most |
| and vegetables decrease production of cholesterol. | | | | days has also been shown to help in raising HDL and |
| Ideally, the highest cholesterol levels for a woman | | | | helps lower blood sugar levels, too. |
| would be less than 200mg total, with 50-60mg or | | | | When it comes to daily dietary intake, the ideal |
| higher for HDL and less than 100mg of LDL. If your | | | | cholesterol levels are between 200 and 300mg per |
| total number is in the range of 200 and 240, but the | | | | day. Less is better. Plant oils do not contain cholesterol. |
| test did not show the readings of LDL and HDL levels, | | | | Animal fats do. The best suggestion is to eat more |
| your doctor should order a "fasting profile" testing, | | | | fruits and vegetables, along with a serving of fish, |
| according to the American Heart Association. This | | | | every day. |