Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers
By Cindy

Today, one of the most useful tests an adult can take is the test. The results of this test can indicate a possible problem when taken in conjunction with other risk factors. The usual test is the lipoprotein profile. is made in your body by your liver.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that combines with protein and travels in bile into the intestine where it is absorbed and enters the bloodstream to help make and maintain cells, make hormones and strengthens nerves. However, bad builds plaque in the arteries blocking blood flow and causes heart disease and heart attacks.

The Importance of Your Reading

If you are older than 20 of age, your doctor has probably already taken a test as part of a physical exam. You should have probably already had your reading explained to you and, if necessary; have discussed any necessary actions you need to take to change your lifestyle. You should understand how your reading impacts your life by now.

The Numbers

The results of the test will show numbers such as low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density protein (HDL) and triglycerides as well as the total of all cholesterol. LDL is bad cholesterol. The density is the ratio of fatty to protein.

Low density means that the ratio of protein is low and the is high in fat. HDL, of course is the good with high protein ratios. Triglycerides are fats traveling in the blood. Extra calories, alcohol and sugar convert to triglycerides and are stored in fat cells. So far, only the HDL is good.

Your reading should have LDL levels under 100 for the best results and below 130 is still acceptable. LDL is the bad and you should keep that number low. If your reading shows LDL of 130 or above, your doctor will suggest some action for you to improve the diet or exercise.

Your reading should have HDL levels over 60. You have to keep HDL number high. If you are a man and your HDL is below 40 (50 for a woman); your doctor will provide you advices to improve it. Your reading for triglycerides should be under 150. Lastly, your total reading should be below 200.

Understanding the Cause of Your High Cholesterol

Your doctor will ask you about your important information. Know your numbers: Get a test and find out how much HDL and LDL you have. Like so many other medical problems, high is made worse by smoking.

Your medical history also played an important part for the information. If you found that your blood pressure is high, it may be due to high cholesterol. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase as well. Your family medical history is just as important.

While you may not know the numbers of your families, their medical conditions can give your doctor a good idea of possible problems and whether they can be avoided by change of lifestyle or will require medication.

Information about your lifestyle is also important: To play your part well, you should have a healthy diet, keep your weight under control and exercise regularly..

However, your body needs some to function and your liver manufactures it. Good information includes where to find in your food. Since comes from your liver, a good rule of thumb is if your food had a liver, it contains cholesterol.

As for dairy products, is found in the fat part of the food. Whole milk contains more than non-fat milk. also found in the egg yolks. If your food has a nutrition label, look at the listing for saturated fat. The best amount is zero grams. Besides meat and dairy products, palm and cocoanut oils contain saturated fats.

Here's some good information: polyunsaturated fats are not bad for you unless they are hydrogenated. This is done to keep them stable in manufactured foods.

Get the information you need now to stay healthy.