Cholesterol and Heart Disease – The Facts
A lot of people will commonly associate the words cholesterol and heart disease. Cholesterol will commonly conjure up thoughts of obesity, heart attack and overly high blood pressure. Interestingly, however, people often do not realise how certain forms of cholesterol do not change their normal blood pressure. Whilst high cholesterol levels are an important issue of the day, an urgency that should not be ignored, it is also important to know the ins and outs of it, and realise that not all forms of cholesterol have been proven to be negative. In fact, some cholesterol could even be good for you.
It is important to know the two main types of cholesterol – HDL and LDL, high density lipoprotein and low density, respectively. What must be known is that it is not both of these that cause the link between cholesterol and high blood pressure. HDL is often known as ‘good cholesterol’, and LDL as ‘bad cholesterol’. This is simply because high HDL levels have been found to be associated with decreased risk of heart disease, with LDL being the opposite, increasing risk of heart disease and increased blood pressure.
Then again it is often the case that people will panic overly much, and assume that having cholesterol and high blood pressure in their system means the two are linked. However it is important to realise that the individual cholesterol levels for men and cholesterol levels for women are extremely different. In general, men have higher levels of cholesterol, and women have lower, ideally. However this varies from person to person, and the best way to find out what is the ideal level for you, is through asking your local GP. Also through monitoring your weight and blood pressure, you can find out what is the norm for you.
As said, it is important not to panic. Too many people will assume the worst, without going for expert advice. Through simply asking an expert that you trust, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary worry and panic. If you do your own research, then ask your local practitioner, you can be sure that you are following the course of action best suited to you.
You must also remember, that high levels of LDL show the link between cholesterol and heart disease, whereas HDL is meant to lower the risk. Hence, if you can find foods with only, or primarily, ‘good’ cholesterol, then you are taking a major step towards better health. It is also important not to get taken in by advertising, and rather look for yourself and attempt to find out the facts about what you should and should not be eating, especially for you as an individual. If you can tailor your own diet, and make sure you read up on the different types of cholesterol that can help and hinder you, you can avoid any false advertising and help your body.
