Managing your cholesterol
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PrintWhy is cholesterol important when we talk about heart disease?
Cholesterol is found in the blockages that causes heart attacks. Less cholesterol in the body means less cholesterol to form blockages. Take a look at this picture.
Note the progression of the disease from top to bottom of the picture. It slowly builds, and builds to the point where the plaque is "unstable" and actually ruptures or bursts in the opening of the artery. This then causes a clot to form and blocks the artery completely: resulting in heart attack or stroke.
Control your cholesterol
Follow a healthy diet:
- lots of fruits and vegetables
- fresh fish twice a week
- lean meats
- whole grains
- limit saturated fats and sweets
- no trans fats
Know your cholesterol numbers:
- Total less than 200
- LDL (lousey) less than 130 if you have risk factors
- LDL (lousey) less than 100 if you are high risk or diabetic
- LDL (lousey) less than 70 even better if you have heart disease or stroke
- HDL (healthy) greater than 40 at least
- HDL (healthy) greater than 60 is protective
- Triglycerides less than 150
Get some exercise! Exercise helps your body work off excess calories and fat. It helps control diabetes, is a stress reliever, keeps blood pressures down and helps you to lose weight. Lack of exercise doubles your risk of heart disease!
No smoking!
You can do it. You CAN prevent and reduce heart disease. All you have to do is want to.
