High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is becoming a problem in the US, as more and more people find that a diet of fatty foods ad poor exercise has led to problems with cholesterol. High cholesterol can generally be attributed to diet or heritage, and sometimes both. Most people have a general understanding that a high cholesterol number is something bad, they might not understand what normal cholesterol levels are and the different kinds of cholesterol and fats in the body.

LDL cholesterol, or low density lipoprotein cholesterol is known as the 'bad' cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can buildup in the arteries and put you at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. For LDL cholesterol, you should have a number of less than 100. The lower the number, the less the risk and keeping the number well below is recommended for the best health.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is known as the 'good' cholesterol. High density lipoprotein cholesterol circulates the blood system and removes LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This is one of the few cholesterol numbers that is best when high. Keep the number above 60 for optimal heart health. By eating a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is very possible to increase HDL levels while also lowering LDL levels

Triglycerides are the form in which most fats exist in both food and the body. They are also bad for heart health and should be less than 150. In a typical cholesterol test, a doctor will give a patient their total blood cholesterol number which is a measure of all types of cholesterol and fat circulating in the body. The most desirable number is anything below 200. For those who have higher levels and are trying to get them into the optimal range, avoiding medication is the best idea. There are some medications which will lower cholesterol levels, but these are only meant for the most extreme cases. Doctors recommend that individuals try to lower their levels with diet and exercise first, using prescription medication as a last resort since it can have unpleasant side effects.

For those trying to bring down their cholesterol levels, start each morning with oatmeal which has been proven to increase HDL levels. Keep total fat low and especially watch out for saturated fats which will raise LDL levels. Doctors also recommend eating fatty fish such as salmon or tuna which provide healthy fats like omega-3s and are great for cardiovascular health.