Hypercholesterolemia levels have been going up for many years. Low HDL cholesterol level or high LDL cholesterol level is a sign of trouble. The bad cholesterol is called LDL or low density lipoproteins. Plaque buildup in the arteries is caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol. The good cholesterol is called HDL (high density lipoproteins). A higher level of HDL cholesterol is better for you because it helps the body to get rid of the LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides and VLDL are the other two types of cholesterol found in our bodies. VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein. Another type of fat carried in the blood by VLDL is triglycerides. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides in the liver and stored in fat cells throughout the body.

There are a few major health risks to having high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. Plaque caused from high cholesterol levels in your blood can buildup and narrow the openings in your arteries reducing the flow of blood to your heart. Over time, this buildup causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which is what leads to heart disease.

When not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart due to the amount of plaque in the arteries a chest pain called angina can be the result. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by total blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack. This is usually due to a sudden closure from a blood clot forming on top of a previous narrowing. The more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease. If your levels of HDL are too low, you are also increasing your risk of heart disease.

A unhealthy diet is one of several things that can lead to high cholesterol. You can improve your cholesterol levels by going on a low-cholesterol diet. If you can not lower your LDL level and increase your HDL level with a low-cholesterol diet than you may have to use methods of lowering your cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can and often does run in the family. Your bodies genes are partly responsible for the amount of cholesterol your body makes. Your LDL cholesterol is affected due to how fast LDL is made and removed from the blood. Often people inherit one certain form of high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia which affects 1 in 500 people and this can lead to early heart disease.

Gender and age also determine if you are at risk for having high cholesterol levels. As we get older, cholesterol levels rise. Prior to menopause women have a lower overall cholesterol level than do men of the same age. After menopause, however, a women’s LDL levels tend to rise until about 60 to 65 years of age.

Disclaimer

No information contained in this article is intended to treat any illness, disease or health condition. It’s published for informational use only and was not intended to replace the consultation of your personal health care physician. Before using any herb or nutrient always consult your doctor.

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