Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter

Cholesterol…What you should know…

Ask the average individual what their cholesterol is, and the chances are they don’t know. Yet, according to the American Heart Association, more that 143 million in the United States suffer from borderline high to high cholesterol levels. Heart diseases and diseases of the blood vessels, designated as cardiovascular disease, is the number one killer. High levels of cholesterol are one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. The National Institute of Health recommends you have a complete lipoprotein screening every five years. Those individuals who are found to have higher than normal levels of cholesterol will need screenings more often, as follow-ups.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance found everywhere in our body. The body must have cholesterol to function normally. The body manufactures cholesterol in the liver and from the food we eat. Generally the liver manufactures enough cholesterol for our body’s needs. It is when we don’t adhere to a proper diet is when the cholesterol levels become elevated, and the trouble begins. The arteries become clogged, or even hardened as cholesterol is deposited on and in the lining of the arteries, with an ongoing gradual buildup. As the artery becomes occluded, the risk factors are in place for cardiovascular disease.

In some individuals, it has been demonstrated that higher than normal cholesterol levels can be caused by hereditary reasons as well. This is due to a gene that does not produce enough of an enzyme that is needed to break down cholesterol. When the cholesterol is not broken down, it finds it’s way into the circulating blood stream, where it is deposited in the lining of the arteries that bring blood to the heart. When the blockage reaches the stage where the blood circulation to heart is reduced enough, or cut off entirely, a heart attack or stroke is imminent.

There are two forms of cholesterol. The “HDL” is known as “the good cholesterol”. The “LDL” is known as “the bad cholesterol”. It is the HDL that helps fats move through the arteries, and removes the bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood. The bad cholesterol (LDL) deposits fatty plaque on the lining of the arteries, and causes the occlusions that are directly related to the increase of heart attacks or strokes.

Combating the ever-increasing problem of elevated cholesterol levels in our population requires a change in our lifestyles. For many with highly elevated cholesterol levels, these changes may seem quite drastic to them at first, but with a little perseverance, they will become easier and a way of life. Basically there are 5 steps that need to be addressed. Read about the necessary changes to be made in our health hints below.

Health Hints***

1. If you smoke you must STOP! Smoking can increase the LDL levels (the “bad” cholesterol).
2. If you are overweight, you must take the necessary steps to lose the excess pounds, as the extra fat can raise the LDL levels.
3. Living a sedentary lifestyle is a no, no. You must start an exercise program, and stick with it. Start moving more whenever and wherever possible. That means more walking and moving around more. In other words, get active.
4. Remove as much stress from your daily routine as is possible.
5. Pay attention to your diet. Increase eating more fruits and vegetables. Reduce red meats and increase the consumption of fish and poultry. Reduce the consumption of refined sugars and dairy products, such as cheeses, etc. When shopping for foods, be sure to read the labels. Any foods containing transfats should be avoided.

Following these 5 steps will certainly start you on the right path to lower and maintain your cholesterol at normal levels. Check the cholesterol levels at recommended periods.