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More than one million persons die of cardiac
arrest each year in the USA. It has been
scientifically proven that the majority of these persons
suffer from high cholesterol levels which in turn lead to
arteriosclerosis and diseases of the heart and
coronary arteries.
Causes of High Cholesterol:
Undoubtedly there is a relationship between
leading an unhealthy life-style and the increased levels of
cholesterol such as cooking methods, kinds of food, lack of
sports, excessive obesity, smoking or drinking alcoholic
beverages etc.
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In certain cases, high cholesterol is
hereditary and in other cases it is the result of an organic
disease such as hypertension, kidney and liver
diseases or hypothyroidism.
Causes of Low Cholesterol:
Usually low cholesterol is a sign of good
health. However, it may also point to malnutrition,
tumors or hyperthyroidism. Also, certain drugs such as
cortisone cause a decrease in cholesterol levels.
Measuring Blood Lipids:
This requires a 12 hour of fasting except for
water only.
It is always advisable to measure lipids annually as part of
the annual laboratory check up. In case of
increased lipids, it is advisable to re-test each 4 weeks to
check response to treatment, then once every 3 months
thereafter.
Cholesterol is divided into 2 basic types:
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins
(HDL) which prevents the sedimentation of cholesterol and
reduces its formation on artery walls.
When a laboratory is requested to test
lipids, this means measuring both kinds of cholesterol as
well as triglycerides. From these tests risk factors
can be determined i.e. the chances that this patient will be
afflicted with a heart disease. This is known as Risk
Ratio.
Recently, scientists have found that 31-42%
of patients suffer cardiac arrest due to increased
Homocystiene in the blood, which in turn destroys blood
vessels.
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Normal Ranges of Blood
Lipids:
Cholesterol: Ranges differ according to
age. The acceptable range for persons under age 30 is
50-180 mg.%. This range rises to 200 mg.% for persons
over 30.
HDL:
From 35-120 mg.%
LDL: From 65-160 mg.%
Tryglicerides: From 35-185 mg.%
Homocystiene: More than 15 microgram/mll.
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What are the dangerous indicators
of increased risk of diseases of the heart and coronary
arteries?
1. Age and gender: Males are
more prone than females. Notably, at a lower age in
males (beginning at 45) than in females (beginning at 55).
2. Cooking with saturated fats.
3. Rich diet
(almonds, ducks, pigeons, shrimps, cheeses, potato chips,
mayonnaise).
4. Chain smoking
5. Obesity and lack of sports
6. Hypertension, kidney, liver and
thyroid diseases.
7. Heredity factors
8. Serious lab indicators:
HDL less than 35 mg.%
LDL more than 160 mg.%
Homocystiene more than 15
microgram/mll.
Health tips
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