Aug 05 2008
To Manage Your Cholesterol, Know Your Lipid Levels
Are you confused about cholesterol? Wondering which numbers need to go up and which numbers need to go down? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 80 million Americans have high levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, over 44 million have low levels of HDL “good” cholesterol and over 28 million have high levels of triglycerides . Also, 42 million Americans suffer from a disorder called mixed dyslipidemia meaning their levels of triglycerides are high, LDL cholesterol is moderately high and HDL cholesterol is low.
Considering these staggering statistics, chances are you or a loved one may have unhealthy cholesterol levels. To help tackle this problem head on, the National Lipid Association has launched www.LearnYourLipids.com. The Web site provides information on how to manage cholesterol problems by taking a total wellness approach, including tips on healthy eating habits and how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. The site also features useful educational tools such as an interactive Lipid IQ test, questions you can ask your doctor, a doctor search tool and links to additional Web sites.
“Despite treatment advances, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in this country,” says Jerome D. Cohen, M.D., of the National Lipid Association. “Because unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to this devastating disease we need to do a better job educating people about risk factors and what they can do to minimize them.”
It is important to work with your doctor to set healthy goals and measure all cholesterol levels including LDL, HDL and triglycerides. If you are unsure of what to ask your doctor, www.LearnYourLipids.com features a printable checklist of the eight most important questions to help you get the answers and information you need.
LDL, HDL and triglycerides are all independent risk factors for heart disease. The risk of developing heart disease doubles when triglyceride levels are above 200. When triglycerides are above 200 and HDL cholesterol is below 40, a person is at four times the risk.
To help lower your risk of heart disease, start by getting your cholesterol levels checked.
For more information on lipids and tips for healthy living, talk to your doctor and visit www.LearnYourLipids.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
NOTE:
Healthy Numbers:
LDL < 100
HDL > 40 for men
> 50 for women
Triglycerides < 150
Tags: American Heart Association, bad cholesterol, good cholesterol, LDL, lipid levels, mixed dyslipidemia, triglycerides
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