Cholesterol-Management Tips That give a Healthy Lifestyle
High cholesterol can put you at risk of developing severe health conditions such as blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Unhealthy cholesterol can cause chest pains which may interfere with the quality of your life. A Boynton Beach high cholesterol expert can help with physical exams, cholesterol checks, and cholesterol-lowering treatments to help you manage your cholesterol. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the first step to achieving healthy cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol 101
Cholesterol is a type of lipid naturally produced by your body. Cholesterol is essential for the formation of hormones, vitamin D, and cell membranes. This lipid is insoluble in water, hence the ability to be transported in your blood without the help of the lipoproteins produced by your liver. Lipoproteins are scientifically classified into the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Lipoproteins are complex particles that carry triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood. An excessive amount of LHD cholesterol puts you at risk of severe health problems. High cholesterol levels in your body can cause life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart attack if left untreated. Accumulation of cholesterol in your bloodstream can lead to blockages that affect the supply of oxygen in your body tissues.
What are LDL and HDL?
HDL is also known as the good cholesterol that absorbs excess cholesterol and transports it to your liver, where it is flushed out of your body. Having high HDL levels lowers the risk of a stroke or heart attack, making it the desired cholesterol in the body.
On the other hand, LDL is a specialized cell that carries cholesterol in your blood throughout the body. You are considered to have healthy cholesterol levels if your LDL and HDL cells are balanced. The professional team at Nguyen Medical Group recommends that you get your cholesterol levels checked regularly to avoid complications related to high cholesterol levels.
What complications can result from having high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a heredity issue. However, a sedentary lifestyle can make your cholesterol shoot up. High cholesterol can lead to several life-threatening conditions such as coronary artery disease, which increase the risk of conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Blood clots
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
Dr. Nguyen offers physical exams and cholesterol check-ups that can help you manage your cholesterol. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can help you live healthily and avoid complications related to cholesterol.
How can you maintain healthy cholesterol levels?
Managing your cholesterol levels may require you to make some lifestyle adjustments such as:
- Going for regular physical examinations
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting regular cholesterol check-ups
- Avoid tobacco use
- Keeping yourself active
If your cholesterol level is high, your physicians may recommend some cholesterol-lowering treatments to lower your cholesterol levels for a healthy lifestyle. Healthy cholesterol involves achieving an LDL of 100mg/dl and an HDL level of 60mg/dl. For a consultation or more information on how to manage cholesterol, reach Nguyen Medical Group through a phone call or schedule a consultation online.
