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Cholesterol

High Cholesterol is considered a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately there are usually no symptoms associated with high Cholesterol and a person may be dangerously at risk without being aware of it. A person may be genetically at risk because of a strong family history of high cholesterol and/or their lifestyle may increase their risk.

The total Cholesterol score is comprised of good Cholesterol, called HDL and bad Cholesterol, called LDL. The LDL should be preferentially <100 and the HDL should be >60. The greater the proportion of good Cholesterol of the total Cholesterol will be the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Excessive dietary intake of foods high in cholesterol and minimal exercise can increase a person’s Cholesterol. High Cholesterol foods include red meat, diary and shellfish. Food preparation also can contribute to the cholesterol content of what you eat, so fried or stewed food is not as healthy as grilled or steamed.

The initial approach to reducing your Cholesterol is to reduce the Cholesterol content  of your diet and increase your exercise routine. There are supplements which also improve the balance of your cholesterol in favour of more good Cholesterol. Oliy fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, and macarel are high in HDL. If you are not able to maintain a high consumption of oily fish then Omega 3,6,9 supplements can provide enough HDL. Oats are very good at absorbing Cholesterol from the gut, so daily oats as part of your breakfast will help to lower your Cholesterol. Niacin can help to reduce the LDL. Polycosanols which are plant derived products are also helpful in Cholesterol lowering.

If the lifestyle measures are not effective or the person has a high personal or genetic risk of cardiovascular disease then medication called Statins are usually used for treatment. Statin treatment is closely monitored by your doctor and can substantially reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Significant improvents in lifestlye while on medication can allow some patients to come off their treatment as long as the improvement is sustained.