Cholesterol: Making Sense of the Numbers

Saturday, 17 September 2011

blood_test Cholesterol is a naturally-occurring compound in the body. It is manufactured by the liver and is important in the the manufacturing of certain hormones and for maintaining the integrity of our cellular membranes.

While cholesterol is needed, it's not always beneficial in the form that we introduce in our body from food. Ideally, we want to increase the good cholesterol and lower the bad. But how much of each is ideal or acceptable?

Keep reading now as I explain what each number stands for and why it's important to keep them in check.

Here are the three types of numbers that figure into your total cholesterol number.

LDL – this stands for “low density lipoprotein.” This form of cholesterol is termed the “bad” type. It is a sticky form that mostly comes from food. Because it is sticky it attaches to blood vessel walls, narrowing the opening through which blood has to pass. This leads to an increase in blood pressure. Numbers: <= 100 is optimal, 100-129 is near optimal, 130-159 is borderline high, 160-189 is high.

HDL – this stands for “high density lipoprotein.” This is the “good” form of cholesterol. It protects the heart against heart disease by keeping the vessel walls clean, preventing LDL plaque from sticking. When it can’t clog up the vessels, there is less chance of developing high blood pressure, vascular disease and stroke. Numbers: < 40 or 50 is low, > 70 is optimal.

Triglycerides – these are not technically a type of cholesterol. Actually they are a type of fat that exists in our food and thus enters our bodies when we eat it. They contribute to the level of unhealthy fats in the body and help the LDL. Their presence has been linked to coronary artery disease. They work with LDL cholesterol to increase the incidence of embolisms that lead to strokes and heart attacks. Therefore it is important to keep an eye on them. Numbers: < 150 is normal level, 150-199 is borderline high, 200-499 is high.

All three numbers figure into your total cholesterol number. It is recommended that the total number be no more than 200 for all three with the HDL being high and the other two being as low as possible.

So, what are your cholesterol numbers?

If you haven't had your cholesterol levels checked in a while or if your "bad" cholesterol number is high, give our office a call to schedule a consultation. High cholesterol can be helped with a heart healthy diet and if necessary medication.

Body Focus System Weight Loss Success

I'm a 40 something year old guy that over the last 10 years has slowly but surely gained weight. I have never been the type of guy to diet, but after having to go for sleep apnea testing, starting medication to control my high blood pressure, and being 40 pounds overweight, found it was time to do something.

I went to a Body Focus System seminar to hear what they had to say and I was surprised. The Detox is what really got my attention. I had always wanted to try a detox, but did not like the thought of having only liquids or having to drink some crazy mixture that tasted like who knows what.

I decided to sign up and give this "diet" a try. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I did! Let me first tell you about the detox. I started with the fruit detox in August and from the first day there was more to eat than I ever expected. I always assumed a diet would be about eating food you don't like and trying to forget about how hungry you are. With the detox, there were days that I was eating a snack before I was even hungry. I lost over 7 pounds during the detox eating fruits that I like and not feeling hungry at all.

Read More

Alex D. / Columbia NJ