Cholesterol is a natural substance in the human body that creates hormones as well as essential nutrients such as vitamin D. While cholesterol is an important substance that can help a person live a healthy life, Los Angeles County residents must remain vigilant about their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to clogged blood vessels and other complications, including stroke and heart attacks.
What are the Different Types of High Cholesterol?
The two types of high cholesterol are low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, and high-density lipoproteins, or HDL. LDL is known as the bad cholesterol, as this is the type of cholesterol that will clog a person’s blood vessels and arteries. HDL is good cholesterol, because its function is to return LDL to the liver in order to eliminate it from the body.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is produced by the liver, but high cholesterol levels are caused by a diet that is rich in saturated fats. In addition to poor dietary choices, genetics may play a role in a person’s cholesterol levels. People who are obese also are more likely to have high cholesterol than those who are not.
What are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
The most concerning fact about high cholesterol is that there are no signs or symptoms of this condition. Often times, a person first finds out that they have high cholesterol levels when they suffer a heart attack or a stroke.
How is High Cholesterol Treated?
People who discover that they have high cholesterol can first try to treat their cholesterol levels by improving their diet and creating an exercise routine that works for them. If a healthy diet and increased exercise does not work, there are several prescription medications available that can help lower a person’s cholesterol levels.
How Can People Prevent High Cholesterol?
People can prevent high cholesterol levels by exercising on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining their weight. It is important to avoid smoking as well as smoking can lead to high cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol is something that all people should be concerned with, as there is no particular group of people that are more prone to this condition than others. Any person who enjoys a diet that is rich in saturated fat will be at risk for high cholesterol, and unfortunately this is a prevalent dietary issue in the United States. Glendora residents who are concerned that their diet may increase their risk for high cholesterol should set up an appointment with an expert general surgeon in order to have their levels checked. This can help them get on the right path to maintaining their cholesterol levels and enjoying a longer, healthier life.
