Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the blood and the body’s cells. The body needs cholesterol as it’s a building block, but not all cholesterol is good and not all cholesterol is bad.

Which is which?

The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the “bad” cholesterol and what doctors are looking for when they’re sending you for cholesterol tests. The best way to remember is L is for lower and you want the LDL to be low.

The “good” cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). You want this one to be higher. H is for higher and you want the HDL to be high.

Here is a quiz to see how much you know about cholesterol. Why not take it and see how much you know.

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Image: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Sept: National Cholesterol Education Month

Good cholesterol HDL levels for men should be higher than 40 and 50 for women. When the levels are over 60 it lowers your risk factors for heart disease.

The HDL removes cholesterol from the arteries, taking it back to the liver where it passes from your body.

Bad cholesterol or LDL builds up in the walls of the arteries. The walls of your blood vessels will narrow over time, due to the build-up of the fatty deposits. The fatty build-up will slow the blood flow, eventually causing heart failure.

It is wise to have a complete physical once a year, this will aid in preventing problems such as high cholesterol.

To learn more about cholesterol levels click Understanding Cholesterol.

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Knowing Your Cholesterol Level

Research that has taken place suggest that moderate alcohol consumption my actually be beneficial for your heart. Drinking one drink a day for women or lightweight individuals and two drinks per day for men is suggested. Some examples are 12 ounces of beer or wine coolers, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Some of the benefits of alcohol on your heart are it may raise your good cholesterol level HDL. Alcohol may also help prevent artery damage caused when your LDL is higher then normal. You may also find that your blood pressure will become lower.

Drinking the recommended amounts of alcohol may also prevent blood clots, which is a benefit in some cases, but there is also an increased risk of bleeding. This is why you need to discuss alcohol consumption with your health care provider.

Drinking alcohol can be harmful for some people. Those who have heart failure, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, diabetes, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), a history of sudden cardiac death or stroke, obesity, high triglycerides, or are taking medications should speak to their doctor before drinking alcohol. Also, if you are pregnant or have a history of alcoholism, you should not drink alcohol.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-alcohol-your-heart

Post from: Blisstree

Alcohol And The Heart

The authors concluded that while efforts to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad cholesterol”) “have consistently reduced cardiovascular disease risk, HDL-based approaches are much more complex and sometimes disappointing.” As a result, “the primary focus should be on LDL,” said review co-author Mehdi Shishehbor, D.O., of the Cleveland Clinic.

Yes, it is true that HDL aids in moving fat molecules out of the arteries and towards the liver, but when HDL is large in nature, that helpful cholesterol can cause inflammation and blockages, which in turn can prove to be harmful!

Bottom line… be aware of the what if’s. Not all research is black and white and this is definitely a gray area. Be cautious when taking any prescription medication. Have you had a negative experience with this type of medication? Or have you had a positive response? Research is helpful, but patient experiences are truly first hand.

via Science daily

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Can HDL Raising Medication Actually Prove To Be Harmful?

This past week, Ben got the results of his cholesterol test back.

My LDL is sitting at a cool 54, while my HDL is at a very nice 145. but, what do those numbers mean?? WebMD says that HDL should be above 60. check. But more importantly, less than 100 LDL is optimal. check.

Congratulations!

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Heart-To-Heart: Ben’s Blog