About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is also known as LDL, HDL and Triglycerides. It is a type of fat that is carried through the body in two different types of bundles. It is very important to have a healthy level of numbers in both bundles of cholesterol. LDL or low density lipoproteins, is the bad type of cholesterol. This type of cholesterol will build up in your arteries. The lower the number of LDL the better off you are. By reaching the target number, you can effectively protect your blood vessels and heart. HDL, or high density lipoproteins is the good cholesterol. This type of cholesterol will help remove the bad part of cholesterol or the LDL. The higher the number of HDL the better off you are.

Symptoms of Cholesterol Problems

The most common symptoms of bad cholesterol is chest pains that can lead to either angina attacks or a heart attack. This is caused by buildup of plaque in the arteries surrounding the heart. Although this is the main symptoms of a problem with your cholesterol, there are no other symptoms. You won’t really have any warnings of a future heart attack unless you get blood drawn from your doctor to check your cholesterol levels. However, there are certain things to watch out for when it comes to this threatening your life. This includes feeling faint or passing out, different types of chest pain including squeezing and pressure of the chest, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting and even sweaty or clammy skin for no reason.

Causes of Cholesterol Problems

The main cause of high cholesterol includes getting it through your diet by eating foods high in animal fat. This means you need to stay away from foods high in animal fat and saturated fats. There are also risk factors when it comes to high cholesterol. Middle aged people and older are more susceptible to it. People with diabetes can also have high cholesterol. Other risk factors include obesity, family history and a sedentary lifestyle with hardly any physical activity.

Treatments for Cholesterol Problems

Treatments for high cholesterol include eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking certain medications, physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking are all ways to treat and lower your high cholesterol. The different medications for high cholesterol include bile acid, Zetia, fibric acids, Vitamin B and statins. These types of medications can help lower your cholesterol and keep you at a healthy number.