What Is High Blood Cholesterol and why is it considered to be bad?

[Marilyn Magallanes]

Cholesterol levels are determined through chemical analysis of a blood sample taken from a finger prick or from a vein in the arm. Home cholesterol kits test only for total cholesterol levels but are as accurate as tests done in a doctor's office, says Steven Gutman, M.D., director of FDA's division of clinical laboratory devices. "These tests can give a consumer very valuable information when screening for high cholesterol," he says. "But they shouldn't be considered substitutes for a test conducted in a doctor's office." He adds that if test results are elevated, consumers should see a doctor right away for a more refined blood analysis. The National Cholesterol Education Program considers cholesterol testing in a doctor's office to be the preferred way because the patient can get advice immediately about the meaning of the results and what to do.

Besides determining total cholesterol levels, doctors often order a lipoprotein profile that shows the amounts of LDL, HDL, and another type of blood fat called triglycerides. This information gives doctors a better idea of heart disease risk and helps guide any treatment.

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The National Cholesterol Education Program developed the following classifications for people over age 20 who do not have heart disease:

* Desirable blood cholesterol--Total blood cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL; LDL is lower than 130 mg/dL.

* Borderline high cholesterol--Total level is between 200 and 239 mg/dL or LDL is 130 to 159 mg/dL.

* High blood cholesterol--Total level is greater than 240 mg/dL or LDL is 160 mg/dL or higher. For patients with heart disease, LDL above 100 mg/dL is too high. In addition, an HDL level less than 35 mg/dL is considered low and increases the risk of heart disease.

The main goal of cholesterol treatment is to lower LDL in people without heart disease. If the LDL level is in the "high" category and fewer than two other risk factors for heart disease are present, the goal is an LDL level lower than 160 mg/dL. If two or more risk factors are present, the goal is less than 130 mg/dL. If a patient already has heart disease, LDL levels should be 100 mg/dL or less. "By reducing LDL, heart disease patients may prevent future heart attacks, prolong their lives, and slow down or even reverse cholesterol buildup in the arteries", according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

* Why is LDL cholesterol considered bad?

When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause serious heart problems.

* Why is HDL cholesterol considered good?

About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as the good cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against heart problems. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup.

* What are triglycerides and how are they related to HDL and LDL?

A triglyceride is a form of fat. It comes from food and is also made in your body. People with high triglyceride levels often have high overall cholesterol, which is high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels.

Food for Thought

A healthy heart starts with a healthy lifestyle. What does lifestyle have to do with maintaining a healthy heart? There are simple, everyday things you can do to help maintain proper heart heath.

~ Not smoking
~ Maintaining a healthy height-to-weight ratio
~ Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetable and whole grains
~ Limiting the consumption of total and saturated fat
~ Exercising regularly
~ Working with your physician to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels
~ Starting a complete nutritional supplementation program designed to help maintain proper cardiovascular health

Maintaining good cardiovascular health is imperative in today’s world.

On my website, for consumers, I offer heart-healthy products to help maintain cardiovascular health, such as Heart Health™ Advanced Coenzyme Q10 — a fat-soluble nutrient found in spinach, broccoli, nuts, meats and fish that promotes a strong heart, helps maintain normal blood pressure and enhances mental alertness, and Heart Health™ Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

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* Our products and or services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease nor are they intended to replace the guidance, advice, services or attendance of your physician. * Product statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

(tags) Cholesterol, Fish Oil, Heart Health, healthy lifestyle, homocysteine, lipoprotein, Omega III, triglycerides, Vitamin E

[cdnurse]

I had no idea that ther was a home kit. Anyone know where to buy them? Dru store? WalMart?