To get your cholesterol checked, your physician will tell you that you cannot eat twelve hours or so before the blood test, which is the way your physician will test your cholesterol levels. During this test, your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels will be checked. Your HDL is typically referred to as "good cholesterol," as this form of cholesterol prevents artery blockages. It is your LDL level that you should really be concerned about, as this type of cholesterol is what builds up and creates blockages in your arteries.
While anyone can suffer from high cholesterol, ultimately a patient's background will be the deciding factor on whether or not they will be at risk for more serious health complications. A patient that has high blood pressure, smokes, is overweight, or has a background that might lead to a possibility of heart trouble might increase the risk of heart problems due to high cholesterol. This is why this test is so important.
The blood test, known as a lipid panel, is sent to a lab, and the results are given back to your physician, who will then inform you of the results. You will be advised of your LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and the total cholesterol levels. While the acceptable numbers for each vary by individual, only your physician will be able to tell you what the appropriate levels should be and how your results compare. Your physician will then be able to help you come up with a plan to assist in lowering your cholesterol should it be high and potentially dangerous to your health.
If you find that you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you should work with your doctor and make some significant changes to your lifestyle. Cutting out bad habits that might be assisting in your high cholesterol can be the first step in lowering your cholesterol levels. When paired with a diet that is cholesterol-friendly and proper exercise, your health will show a great change. Don't let high cholesterol be a silent killer - take steps to protect yourself.
Cholesterol, a beginner s guide.
Introduction
By Colin Beach
The purpose of this article is to give you an initial introduction to the meaning of cholesterol, what causes it and why does your body have it. Once you have this initial grounding and understanding, you can then move on to reading more detailed articles such as those that can be found at
http://www.cholesterolarterydisease.com
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What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat like substance that comes from certain foods, it is also produced by our own bodies.
There are two types of cholesterol, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol and good cholesterol
Bad cholesterol delivers cholesterol t ..
About The Author
Control Cholesterol Naturally Title: Control Cholesterol Naturally Author: P. Mehta URL:
www.fatfreekitchen.combr> You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info. Copyright 2004 P. Mehta
www.fatfreekitchen.combr> Blood Cholesterol is produced by our body for several purposes. In some people it is produced more than is required by our body, especially when the diet contains saturated fats. Saturated fats in the diet force the body to make too much cholesterol. The cholesterol may become high ..
Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com - a website for health, fitness and wellness.
Amanda BakerHigh Cholesterol and Your Health
