Beware of LDL Cholesterol
Daily exercise, eating healthy and abandoning bad habits like smoking or drinking in excess can free you from future problems caused by high cholesterol, even though our body needs the fat for the proper functioning of some hormones, digestive acids and structures in the body, it is important to distinguish that in addition to HDL good cholesterol, there is a LDL bad one, that we must limit because of its harmful elements.
Through a rapid blood test, we can know if we maintain a high level of LDL. According to the Heart Foundation, hypercholesterolemia is diagnosed (high cholesterol) when total cholesterol levels exceed 200 mg. / Dl, when LDL levels are above 130 mg. / Dl or when HDL levels are below 35 mg . / dl in men and 40 mg. / dl in women.
Having high cholesterol means a serious risk to our lives, if we do anything about it, we may trigger other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or the feared atherosclerosis, a buildup of fat in artery walls .
The accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries. Large deposits of plaque can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plates can also open, causing the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow.
In that case, if an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked, it can cause a heart attack. If an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked, can cause a stroke.
The first thing to do
So if you are diagnosed with hypercholesterolaemia, the first step to combat this condition is to follow a strict diet where intake of vegetables, fruits and fiber should be the most important thing, radically eliminating all types of saturated fats.
Examples of foods rich in saturated fats are: all coming from red meat, commercial baked goods, non-skim dairy, fried, flour, processed, all cakes baked with butter and sugar, commercial salad dressings, creamy sauces, chocolates, sweets in general, jams, jellies, syrup, ice cream, sweetened fruit juices, soft drinks, beef broth, alcoholic beverages, among others.
In addition, it's recommended to start a daily routine of exercises that require to make a physical effort, especially aerobic-type, either running or long walks, biking or climbing the stairs. This removes the toxins from your body, drastically reducing LDL cholesterol.
If you smoke, reduce the consumption of snuff, but if you eliminate it, would be ideal. The snuff has a direct effect on cholesterol levels, their toxins produce an effect that makes our blood circulation becomes thicker.
Do not forget that even though high cholesterol doesn't present specific symptoms, it is important to watch for symptoms of vascular disease, such as numbness and swelling of the extremities, dizziness, loss of balance, blurred vision, chest pain, agitation while walking or doing physical activity. It is advisable to see a doctor regularly and schedule regular blood tests.