Everyone constantly hears about the dangers of high cholesterol. Yet, much like high blood pressure, high cholesterol is an invisible danger to individuals and due to its invisibility, many people ignore the dangers associated with it. Nevertheless, having high cholesterol can lead to significant health problems down the road if it remains untreated. Therefore, it is important to get your cholesterol levels tested regularly and it is equally important to do all you can to keep its level at a number that is acceptable.

So, what exactly is cholesterol? Before you pay a visit to the doctor to have it checked, be advised that you cannot eat 12 hours before your blood test. When you visit your doctor's office, your doctor will order a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. The types of cholesterol examined in the test are the HDL cholesterol levels, the LDL cholesterol levels, and the Triglyceride levels. Ultimately, the level you need to be most concerned with is the LDL cholesterol level: frequently referred to as the "bad cholesterol" this type of cholesterol is what accumulates within your arteries and creates blockages that can lead to significant problems. Conversely, the HDL cholesterol levels are referred to as "good cholesterol", because this particular type of cholesterol helps prevent artery blockages from forming.

After your blood test, called a lipid panel, has been sent to the lab, your doctor will then advise you of the results. Typically, you will be advised of your LDL levels, your HDL levels, your Triglycerides levels and your total cholesterol levels. The acceptable numbers for each vary and are measured by figuring out the number of milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood in your body. For instance, in terms of total cholesterol levels, anything that is measured below 200 milligrams per deciliter is excellent, anything between 200 to 249 milligrams per deciliter is leaning toward health risks, and anything above that is deemed undesirable. Of course, the total cholesterol number includes both the HDL and the LDL levels. Separately, one should aim to have an LDL level below 100 milligrams per deciliter, and HDL level below 40 milligrams per deciliter, and finally, a Triglycerides level below 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood.

A patient's background will ultimately play a role in whether or not they are at risk for serious health complications. For instance, if a patient smokes, is overweight, has high blood pressure, and has a background that suggests the possibility of heart trouble then the risk of having heart problems associated with high cholesterol significantly increases.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol it is time to make some significant changes; eating right, exercising, and changing any habits that might be the culprits. In the end, it is your health and happiness on the line. Isn't your future health worth the extra effort now? High cholesterol, like high blood pressure is a silent killer - don't let your future remain at risk: begin taking care of yourself today!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Cholesterol

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