What Are Ldl & Hdl Cholesterol?

When they first find out that they have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, many people are unsure exactly what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material that is made in the liver and other cells which is found is certain foods like dairy products, eggs and meat. Many people live out their daily lives and never know what the risk factors are for having high cholesterol or even know how do cholesterol levels get too high until they are diagnosed with high cholesterol.

In order for the human body to carry out important biological processes, the body must maintain a certain level of cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for the body to be able to produce hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. When too much cholesterol is present within the body, problems like heart disease can develop. Lowering your LDL "bad" cholesterol, which causes the buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries, and raising your HDL, your "good" cholesterol should be your main concern since high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. The body needs a mechanism to get rid of bad cholesterol and HDL is that mechanism. If your HDL levels are too low, your risk of heart disease increases as well.

There are two basic ways when attempting to lower your cholesterol. One way to lower your cholesterol is to change your diet. Try to eat a low-cholesterol diet. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat less than three hundred milligrams of cholesterol daily. If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with heart disease, your daily intake of cholesterol should not exceed 200mg per day. You can greatly lower the amount of cholesterol that you consume by avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat.

Another effective way to lower your cholesterol is to take cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed by a clinician. Cholesterol-lowering medications are not right for everyone. Your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for this type of drug regimen. You can increase your risk of heart disease by using tobacco products and physical inactivity. People who have known heart disease and/or diabetes may have no other alternative but to take cholesterol-lowering medications to control their cholesterol levels. Taking cholesterol medications can wreak havoc on your body and your wallet. Changing a few lifestyle habits to lower your cholesterol will benefit you in the long-run. A change in your diet is a must. Smoking is part of your daily lifestyle. Another lifestyle change that you can make is to stop smoking. Your HDL or "good" cholesterol levels are decreased by smoking. If you stop smoking, these levels will begin to improve. Regular exercise will also lower your cholesterol levels naturally. Excess weight gain, diabetes, and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease. If you have been diagnosed with any of the above, moderate exercise will help to keep these under control.

You should consult a physician if high cholesterol and heart disease is common in your family since this condition can be hereditary. A simple blood test is all that is needed to tell you, if you are at risk for high cholesterol. If you have predisposing factors that put you at risk for high cholesterol and heart disease, your doctor will give you some advice and helpful suggestions on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

By: Todd Peterson

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Todd Peterson has done extensive research on nutrition and heart health. For more great tips on how lower cholesterol, Visit his website on maintaining healthy cholesterol, levels the natural and healthy way.