My-Medicare
is a trusted and reliable online pharmacy for brand name and
generic prescription drugs at a tremendous savings to thousands
of customers worldwide. My-Medicare is an online pharmacy with
a main objective to provide you with quality, effective and
safe medications at the lowest prices and in a fast, convenient
and secure manner. In order to do that, My-Medicare works with
licensed doctors and Pharmacists who are committed to your health
and happiness.
Cholesterol is found naturally in the blood stream and body cells. Cholesterol, a soft waxy lipid (fat) that cannot be dissolved in the blood, is important for, amongst other things, cell membrane production and some hormone production. It comes from two sources:
1) We take in fats when we eat animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, butter, whole milk and cheese.
2) Our own bodies produce it. Some foods, although they do not contain animal fats may contain trans-fats that cause the body to produce cholesterol.
There are 2 main types of cholesterol:
LDL (low density lipoprotein), considered to be 'bad' cholesterol. This is the type that can block arteries. Cholesterol builds up inside the blood vessel walls in the form of plaques (known as arteriosclerosis). The plaques can restrict blood flow to the heart and if they burst the contents spill out, clots can form and travel around the body in the blood stream. The clots can block the small blood vessels in the heart leading to a heart attack. If they block vessels in the brain they cause a stroke. HDL (high density lipoprotein), considered to be 'good' cholesterol. Research suggests that this type protects the body and reduces the chances of a heart attack.
What should my blood cholesterol levels be?
The best way, the most reliable way of finding out if you have high cholesterol levels, is by having a blood test. Some people who have very high levels of cholesterol do have outward signs. One is called arcus juvenilis, a pale ring around the colored part of the eye (iris) can indicate too much cholesterol in the under 50 year old, the other sign is a yellowish fatty deposit under the skin around the eyes, called xanthelasmata.
Blood test results
Total blood cholesterol:This should be less than 200 mg/dL. If it is then your risk of having a heart attack is low. If your total blood cholesterol is between 200 to 239 mg/dL then you are at borderline high risk. These levels do not necessarily mean you risk heart or related problems, but you should ask for medical advice to assess your particular health picture. If your total blood cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL is considered high risk. 20% of Americans are considered to be in this category. If your results are at this level or above then you should ask your doctor if you require any treatment and/or lifestyle changes.
LDL cholesterol levels: are very important in rating your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. The lower your LDL cholesterol is, the lower your risk. It is this cholesterol blood result that is seen as the better predictor of health than total blood cholesterol levels. LDL blood cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.
Triglycerides are important too
Triglyceride is also a fat that is important to cell function. High triglyceride levels however, are often found in people who also have high total cholesterol levels, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol levels. Many people suffering from heart disease, diabetes, and the obese often have high triglyceride levels. Triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL are normal Borderline/high levels are between 150 and 199 mg/dL High levels are 200 mg/dL People with borderline high and high levels may require treatment as will those people with high LDL cholesterol in combination with high triglyceride levels.
Reducing your high cholesterol levels
There is a lot you can do to reduce your blood cholesterol and your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. You may require drug therapy, and/or low salt diet, a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, help with stopping smoking, weight reduction and or an exercise program.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important (and sometimes one of the most difficult) things that you can do to improve your health and lower you cholesterol levels. A balanced diet that contains lots of fruit and vegetables, high in fiber and rich in antioxidants is important. High fiber starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta and cereals are great. A moderate amount of dairy products and protein rich foods such as meat, fish, nuts and pulses should not be overlooked. We also need a certain amount of fat, but try avoid or use less full-fat foods such as butter, ice cream, mayonnaise, pastries. Try using low fat alternatives or mono-saturated or polyunsaturated fats.
Salt contains sodium and it is this that is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. Your doctor may recommend a low salt diet and you can buy alternative to sodium salts to flavor your food. Weight reduction if you are overweight or obese is very important in reducing your chances of getting sick. It is a medical fact that being overweight increases the likelihood that you will get cancer, have high blood pressure, get heart problems.
Working out
Exercise helps boost your metabolic rate, keeps your heart healthy, improves your stamina, tone and strength. Reducing stress.
When a persons internal resources cannot cope with the pressures put on them we term this condition 'stress'. Stress is known to contribute to poor health. It affects the immune system, increases blood pressure, disrupts eating and sleep patterns and behavior generally. So although reducing your stress levels may not affect your cholesterol levels per se, it will increase your chances of staying healthy.
Cutting out smoking
Quit smoking and not only will you live longer, you will also look better. It can be hard to stop but the benefits are so marked and have such a positive effect on the health of your heart and lungs, on you, that it is plain crazy to keep doing it.
Copyright
2006 My-Medicare.com All Rights Reserved.
Trademark names on this site may include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra and are the property of each trademark holder and may include brand names such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. We do not claim to be affiliated with the manufactures of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Brand name products such as Viagra are made by Pfizer, Cialis is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC and Levitra is made by Bayer. This online pharmacy simply sells Generic versions of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra and is not associated with the manufactures of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. You will find generic alternatives to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra at this site but the site is not affiliated with Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
