How Low Cholesterol Helps Reduce Heart Disease
We mention the word cholesterol much too often, but we do not know what it is. Cholesterol is a compound that is found in body tissue, plus it is responsible for the insulation of nerves. It is mostly taken from foods that are rich in fats, which include dairy products, oils, meat, and eggs.
If cholesterol enters the body in copious amounts, it can deposit on the walls of the arteries. These arteries are connected to the heart muscle. More blockage can result in chest pain over a certain period. Ultimately this can result in a heart attack.
Types of cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. HDL is also known to be as good cholesterol, whereas LDL is the ‘bad’ form. An excess of cholesterol can be quite harmful, also because most of the delicious food items are high in this form of lipid. Surely, it is a risk factor for heart disease.
LDL can build up on the wall of the arteries. This causes plaque to form over a passage of time, and further accumulation slows down blood flow.
How to control cholesterol
The following ways can help an individual in controlling themselves or even avoiding heart disease in the future. Controlling the level of cholesterol that enters the body is very important, especially if the situation is getting out-of-hand.
- Diet
Diet is one of the primary factors that influence the risk of heart disease. It is very important to check the content of low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoproteins in foods, although it might sound a bit tough. However, this can be useful in the long-term.
Fish, whole-grain, fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, and vegetable oils are also known as a heart-healthy diet. Not only this, but the additional qualities of these foods are that they high in fiber and vitamins. Do not forget that a healthy body means a healthy mind!
Everyone knows that those packets of crisps or mid-night snacking is irresistible. However, too much junk food can be extremely harmful to the heart. One should try to limit the intake of fizzy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, and desserts. It will be advantageous in the long-run.
- Trans fats and saturated fats
These sorts of fats increase the level of low-density lipoproteins. As a consequence, the risk of heart disease can increase to a greater extent. Also, saturated and trans fats offer no nutritional value.
All processed foods contain trans fats in the form of partially hydrogenated oils. Mostly, they are found in food items such as cookies, crisps, and crackers because they result in prolonged shelf life for these edibles. However, the after-effects they have should not be overlooked.
Foods that contain saturated fats include red-meat, pastry shortening, cakes, donuts, fried food, and whole-fat dairy products. Moreover, a lot of consumption of eatables, such as junk food and sweet treats, can also lead to weight issues. In turn, this causes obesity. Obesity is also one of the contributing factors of heart disease.
- Healthy cooking
We might not realize how necessary healthy cooking is, especially when we are younger. For older people, it is integral to make sure their food is prepared in the right way. In place of butter or animal fat, which is very common, sunflower or canola oil is a much better option.
Instead of deep-frying in oil, it is always more effective to grill or bakes food. Trimming fat from all types of meat can be quite helpful. This can even be done with assistance from a rack or by boiling foodstuffs.
- Medication
In some cases, doctors prescribe drugs to lower the amount of LDL and overall cholesterol in the bloodstream. Simply following the prescription and taking the medication on time can be very useful. These drugs are called Statins.
Statins are only recommended by doctors where cholesterol level gets high. Therefore, do not take the drug without consultation with the doctor. Statins work by blocking an enzyme that is responsible for making cholesterol. Hence, when the quantity of this enzyme decreases in the bloodstream, cholesterol decreases.
Also, in matters when Statin is not suitable for the patient, the doctor can prescribe non-statin drugs. Once cholesterol is decreased, the risk of heart disease or a heart attack can fade away.
- Exercise
Moderate exercise can play a part in raising the level of high-density lipoproteins. Therefore, never underestimate the potential of vigorous physical activity. Going to the gym is not compulsory; even a brisk daily walk is more than enough. Physical exertion, even in short intervals, can impact the blood cholesterol content.
Another could be joining an exercise group where everyone is ready to make an effort. Also, cycling to work could be a great choice as well.
- Smoking
The entry of cigarette smoke in the body decreases HDL that is present in the blood. Quitting the habit of smoking can help to increase High-density lipoproteins. Also, the heart rate and blood pressure improve steadily, thus decreasing the risk of heart-related issues.
After three months of giving up smoking, blood circulation improves to a massive extent. Therefore, the risk of heart disease is reduced.
Conclusion
Most people might not be aware of it, but these simple lifestyle changes can bring down cholesterol levels without causing much of a hassle. Of course, we have discussed how a person can decrease their cholesterol intake and, in turn, how the risk of heart disease can decrease due to the low amounts.
Hopefully, this article was informative enough to make the reader aware of the facts that they need to know about cholesterol and its link with heart disease. To learn and read more about relevant topics, you can go to see a professional and get expert word on the issue at the South Florida Cardiovascular specialist clinic.
Our primary goal is to educate the patient and make them understand the significance of their health. After all, every individual matters.
