How To Follow Cholesterol Readings By A Diet To Lower Cholesterol
Cholesterol often gives everyone the wrong impression that it is all bad, but if we took the time to understand just exactly what is cholesterol, then we will be able to understand our cholesterol readings that we get from our doctor. Cholesterol can be good because it assists our bodies function properly and it can be harmful as well by clogging up our arteries. Understanding the distinction between the two will help us better able to manage our diet to lower cholesterol.
Our good cholesterol is identified as HDL cholesterol which is commonly known as high-density lipoprotein. Its main goal is to make our body parts function properly by taking the cholesterol that we have and flushing it from our system. This keeps our arteries clean and helps us avoid experiencing a heart attack in addition to a stroke.
Then we have the bad cholesterol, which is also know as LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). This cholesterol is bad, especially when we have large quantities in our bodies. Its main job is to slowly build up in our arteries which eventually clogs them up and can cause us to experience a heart attack and possibly a stroke.
This is the reason why it is exceedingly important that you get a hold of a cholesterol reading to make sure that your cholesterol levels rest within the target range. When you acquire your reading there are three things you need to look at: HDL cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and total cholesterol levels.
Knowing the normal cholesterol numbers will help you learn when you need to start taking some action against your cholesterol. Your total cholesterol reading should be below 200. If it reaches 140, this can be very dangerous. Your LDL cholesterol should be below 130. If it reaches 160, then you need to start adjusting your diet to lower cholesterol. Your HDL cholesterol readings should be above 45. You should be concerned if it falls below 40.
To have your cholesterol assessed, you will want to visit your doctor and inform him you want to check your cholesterol levels. When you get the results, the doctor will either inform you that you are fine and within the target range, that you should consider starting on a diet to lower cholesterol, or that you should begin taking medication.
Knowing the difference involving the good and bad cholesterol will help you recognize what the medical doctor is saying when he gives you your cholesterol readings. The outcome will help you and your doctor decide if you should go on some prescription or if you should control your cholesterol through a diet to lower cholesterol.
