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It seems one of the hottest topics among health-related publications is cholesterol, and the importance of keeping your cholesterol levels in check. But what is cholesterol, and what role does it play in your body? Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance found in every cell of your body. While the human body requires cholesterol to build and maintain strong cells, excessive cholesterol levels can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis. This condition is characterized by cholesterol accumulation along artery walls, which eventually narrows arteries and blocks blood flow. To prevent health ailments such as Heart disease or coronary artery disease, it is important to maintain ideal cholesterol levels.
The Different Types of CholesterolYour body contains two different types of cholesterol, which include: HDL, or "good," cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is responsible for delivering cholesterol to tissues and organs; however, when there are excess LDL cholesterol levels in your bloodstream, it begins to attach itself to artery walls. Over time, these hard deposits narrow arteries and make artery walls less flexible, which may lead to heart attack or stroke.
HDL cholesterol is responsible for flowing throughout the bloodstream and attaching itself to excessive LDL cholesterol and transporting it to the liver where it is broken down and removed. According to the American Heart Association, high HDL cholesterol levels helps protect arteries from plaque accumulation as well as reducing the risk of having a heart attack.
Ideal Cholesterol Levels for Men and WomenThe ideal HDL cholesterol levels for men is 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher. This level is regarded by scientists as being optimal for preventing heart disease. Having an HDL cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL increases your risk of developing heart disease.
Women should also strive for an HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or above; however, having an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL and below places her at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, men and women should have an LDL cholesterol level of 100 mg/dL or less. Having an LDL cholesterol level higher than 130 mg/dL substantially increases the risk of developing adverse cardiovascular health problems in both men and women.
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What are hdl cholesterol levels and how are they measured?
The HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol that it should keep cholesterol in 35ml, 40ml for women and for men the levels change between good and bad cholesterol.
What are considered bad HDL cholesterol levels?
HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol and it actively removes bad cholesterol. HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 milligrams is considered good but lower than 40 milligrams is considered bad.
What foods can lower my HDL cholesterol levels?
If you are really wondering what type and kinds of food that can lower your HDL cholesterol levels because your cholesterol is elevated, then I suggest you eat grapes.
HOW DO i RAISE MY HDL?
You can increase your HDL cholesterol levels by doing aerobic exercises.
Why is hdl cholesterol the good cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol because is flows in the bloodstream and removes harmful cholesterol from the areas in which it doesn't belong. If you have high HDL levels of cholesterol it will reduce your chance of getting heart disease.
Does smoking decrease HDL cholesterol?
Yes, smoking can decrease the HDL cholesterol. It has been shown from research study, that patients who stopped smoking, experience an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
What effect does omega 6 have on cholesterol levels?
Raises HDL levels.
How do you find your HDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is known as the good kind of cholesterol. You can have your levels tested at your doctor's office. A blood sample from your vein or finger will be need.
What Is HDL Cholesterol and Why Should I Care?
By now, you probably know that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is very important. Yet, you may still be wondering, what is HDL cholesterol and why is it important? HDL cholesterol is known as the �good� cholesterol. HDL helps to cleanse the arteries of LDL, or �bad�, cholesterol. When your levels of good cholesterol are low, your arteries may begin to clog, which will increase your chances of developing heart disease and other health problems. This is why doctors, experts, and other medical professionals are constantly telling patients to exercise, consume a healthy diet, and maintain their cholesterol levels.
Taking Control of Your HDL Cholesterol Levels?
HDL cholesterol levels are important for your overall health. For many people, they do not realize that this is actually the good cholesterol in your body. It looks for any excess amounts of LDL cholesterol and transports them into your liver for proper disposal. If you have high levels of HDL cholesterol, you will not have to worry about excessive amounts of clotting and inflammation in your heart and surrounding blood vessels. As your HDL cholesterol levels rise, your body is essentially becoming healthier. For those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, their HDL levels will decrease. You need to partake in any type of exercise that gets your heart rate pumping. From swimming to running and aerobics, you will increase your HDL cholesterol levels and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Avoid eating foods that have high levels of saturated and trans fats because they work to decrease your current level of HDL cholesterol. Margarine and other commercially baked products have an excessive amount of trans fats. Avoiding foods such as olive, peanut and canola oils will help to keep your HDL levels in tact and promote the anti-inflammatory properties therein. Gaining weight works to lower your HDL cholesterol levels. Do whatever you can to ensure your body is as close to its ideal weight as possible. The last thing you want is to allow your HDL cholesterol levels to decline because of weight gain. Your body will not be able to fight off all of the factors that work against your system if your levels are not where they should be in your body. Smokers will have a lower HDL cholesterol level than their counterparts will. If you want to increase your likelihood of getting blood clots, this is definitely one way to do it. When you cease smoking, it will help to raise your HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent, which is going to make a huge difference in the way you feel on a regular basis. For those who are smokers, it works to create a chemical change in your lipoproteins. Essentially, you are working against your body's own mechanisms to help fight off inflammation and clotting.
What is the difference between LDH and LDL cholesterol levels?
LDL cholesterol levels are the calculation of bad levels in your body while HDL is considered to by the levels of good cholesterol in your body. Good cholesterol ratings can be maintained with proper exercise and diet.
How do you know if you have hdl cholesterol?
Everyone has HDL, or High-density lipoprotein, cholesterol. HDL is actually good cholesterol and can help protect your heart. To check your HDL levels, a doctor will administer a blood test, usually while fasting. It's recommended to have the test done at least every five years. Over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women is considered "good."
