Could A Desirable Cholesterol Ratio Be The Key To Reducing The Risk Of A Heart Attack

For many the term desirable cholesterol ratio is something new. Most have simply heard about overall cholesterol and know that they should try to stay away from high cholesterol foods such as full fat dairy, high saturated fat snacks, and fried foods. But a number of recent research studies seem to be telling us that heart and artery health is not as much about total cholesterol is it is about achieving and maintaining a desirable cholesterol ratio.

A desirable cholesterol ratio is all about striking a balance between bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL). These two characters are known as lipoprotein carriers and are at work in our bodies as we speak. While LDL is traveling through our arteries trying to get ample amounts of cholesterol to our cells, HDL is carrying and collecting waxy artery clogging cholesterol out of our systems and into a watery grave (toilet bowl). Both LDL and HDL are necessary to achieving good health but finding that desirable cholesterol ratio where we have enough cholesterol for optimal cell health but not so much as to cause arterial blockage or hardening of the arteries is a difficult balancing act that even the most skilled circus tightrope walker would struggle with.

In general a desirable cholesterol ratio of LDL to HDL should be 3 to 1 for those with no family or personal history of heart disease, and 2 to 1or less for those who have a personal or family history of heart disease. Additionally, 2 to 1 or less is suggested for those who have 2 for more risk factors for coronary artery disease. These risk factors would include, but not be limited to age, gender, obesity, smoking, inactivity, age, high blood pressure, and stress.

For example a person with 2 or more risk factors, who has an HDL reading of 50 mg/dl (about average) should have an LDL reading of 100 mg/dl or less.

What Else? Lowering LDL cholesterol and finding that perfect desirable cholesterol ratio, in most cases, is about changing old habits, adopting new healthier habits, and enlisting the help of convention medications such as statins or natural cholesterol reducing remedies if needed. Put simply, this basically means finding ways to increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol levels). Certainly the aforementioned statin drugs will be one of your options but they do carry a number of serious label warnings. The side effect risks have made natural cholesterol reduction supplements combined with diet modification a safe and effective combination worth considering.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com