Heart Disease and Cholesterol (continued)

As mentioned previously, heart disease is caused by a buildup of plaque mostly composed of cholesterol in the coronary arteries. This is called Athersclerosis. Eventually, if this worsens, blockages can occur and a heart attack may ensue. Other risk factors for heart disease include:

• Having previous stroke or heart attack
• Being a man 45 years or older or a female 55 years or older
• Family history of heart disease in males under 55 and females under 65
• Smoking cigarettes
• Obesity
• Being Inactive (sedentary)
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• HDL cholesterol less than 40

Cholesterol is a type of fat made by your liver. Some cholesterol is in the food that you eat. Foods that come from animal sources such as eggs, meat, and dairy, contain cholesterol. Foods that come from plant sources have no cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fat also raise cholesterol levels because the liver turns saturated fat into cholesterol.

There are 2 types of cholesterol that most people are familiar with: Low density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol). LDL is the main source of artery plaque while HDL works by clearing the cholesterol away. Triglycerides are another fat in the blood and need to be controlled if you want to lower your risk of heart disease.

The cholesterol reference ranges are listed below. Please understand that a physician needs to interpret these numbers as there are other factors, which need to be considered such as a person’s medical risk factors.

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL CATEGORY

• Less than 200mg - Desirable
• 200-239mg - Borderline High
• Above 240mg – High

LDL CHOLESTEROL CATEGORY

• Less than 100mg - Optimal
• 100-129mg - Near Optimal
• 130-159 - Borderline High
• 160-189 - High
• Above 190 - Very high

HDL CATEGORY

• Above 60 - Helps to lower risk of heart disease
• 40-60 - Desirable
• Less than 40 - Low

TRIGLYCERIDE CATDGORY

• Above 200 - High
• Above 150 - Borderline High
• Below 150 - Desirable

What affects cholesterol levels?

Diet, weight, exercise quantity, age and gender, family history, certain medical conditions, medications, and others.

The main goal in lowering cholesterol is to lower your LDL and raise your HDL. To lower cholesterol eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a proper weight. XtraHealth Healthy Heart tablets and powder can naturally help maintain a healthy heart. Healthy Heart contains a blend of CoQ10, plant sterols, Vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, as well as herbs such as garlic, Hawthorne and others to help promote heart function. 

To reduce your risk of heart disease or keep it low:

• Control any other risk factors you may have such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Follow a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet.
• Maintain a desirable weight.
• Participate in regular physical activity.
• Begin medications as directed by your doctor.
• Use XtraHealth Healthy Heart tablets and powder.

HEALTHY EATING SUGGESTIONS

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat more broiled, grilled foods and skinless chicken.
• Avoid fried foods.
• Use low fat dairy products.
• Consume a variety of fiber rich foods such as brown rich and whole wheat breads.
• Limit high cholesterol foods such as egg yolks and organ meats.
• Eat more fish.
• Limit saturated fats such as palm and cocoanut oils.