Ldl Cholesterol: Are You At Risk?
By www.menhealthonline.biz
Ldl cholesterol can result in potentially grave consequences in relation to coronary health. Your low-density lipoprotein level greatly affects your risk of heart attack or stroke and is considered a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol comes in two main forms, LDL and HDL. LDL is believed dangerous because of how it affects the body. One variety in particular, lipoprotein (a), is thought to promote plaque formation that thickens and stiffens arterial walls. Conversely, HDL is beneficial because it helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body.
You may be wondering how to lower ldl. What steps can you implement?
A first step might be taking a look at how much meat and dairy products you consume. Saturated fats are derived primarily from meat and dairy products and can raise blood cholesterol levels. Certain vegetable oils made from coconut, palm, and cocoa are also high in saturated fats. You can lower ldl cholesterol by changing what you eat.
The latest research suggests that certain foods play a key role in lowering ldl cholesterol. Avocados and almonds, olive oil, soybeans and garlic, mushrooms, oat bran, beans (kidney, pintos, black, navy), onions, fatty fish, and flax seed can make an important difference.
Weight management is also important because excess weight is linked to high cholesterol. If you are wondering how to lower ldl, losing unwanted pounds is another step.
Did you know that every time you exercise, you can lower ldl cholesterol? The admonition, “get moving” is good advice—especially if your levels are not where they should be.
Smoking is implicated. This is another habit that contributes to undesirable levels of ldl cholesterol.
Making lifestyle and dietary changes can produce tangible results. Studies have shown that heart attack risk is decreased by as much as 25% for every 10% drop in cholesterol level. While these changes are part of the process of how to lower ldl, other treatment strategies may be necessary if levels remain high.
Medications used to lower ldl cholesterol are called statins. Unfortunately, use of these drugs can result in serious side effects. Latest research suggests that if you are taking statin drugs you should also take Coenzyme Q10. Taking statins depletes this necessary enzyme and it is critical that you supplement with