Disease Treatment Tips :: Normal Cholesterol Level
Normal Cholesterol Level: Achieving a Normal and Healthy Cholesterol Level
Do you know if you have a normal cholesterol level? Do you understand what cholesterol is and how it can benefit or adversely affect your health? If not, then keep reading to find out about healthy cholesterol levels and what you can do to achieve them.
What is Cholesterol and What is a Normal Cholesterol Level?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Cholesterol in itself is not harmful and the body needs a certain amount to function properly. However, as levels rise, cholesterol begins to clog the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. If the arteries that carry blood to the brain are affected, a stroke can occur.
A lipid fat fest can be taken on a blood sample to determine if you have normal cholesterol levels. This test measures levels of triglycerides, high-density lipid protein (HDL) and low-density lipid protein (LDL). Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
A good or normal level of cholesterol is less than 200mg/dL. A borderline level of cholesterol is between 200 and 239 mg/dL and a high level of cholesterol is anything above 239 mg/dL.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
There are no symptoms to indicate you have a high cholesterol level and it is impossible to determine your levels without taking a lipid test. A high cholesterol level in conjunction with the adverse lifestyle factors listed above increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Treating High Cholesterol Levels
Typically, your doctor will assess your condition on an individual basis, taking into account the number of risk factors you have for heart disease. If your levels are higher than they should be, typically your treatment will aim to lower those levels by modifying your lifestyle and possibly through taking medication.
Dietary therapy is a fundamental part of any cholesterol treatment program. Weight loss is a primary goal in patients who are overweight. Losing fat cells is sometimes all that's necessary to lower cholesterol.
Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet lowers LDL levels and elevates HDL levels, HDL being a good type of cholesterol. This diet consists of lots of mono-unsaturated fats like olive oil, whole grains, fish, vegetables, chicken and fruit.
This type of diet can help bring patients back to a normal cholesterol level when combined with 20 minutes a day of moderate aerobic activity like walking. Increasing fiber in the diet and the elimination of smoking can also help.
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DiseaseTreatmentTips.com :: Normal Cholesterol Level