CHOLESTEROL
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have high cholesterol.
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Cholesterol is a waxy appearing fat-like substance that your body needs in small amounts. However, too much cholesterol may lead to health problems and even elevate your risk of heart attack and stroke. At Florida Primary Care and Sports Medicine we calculate your risk and work with each patient to help them reduce their cholesterol levels.
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Cholesterol comes from two sources: it is mostly made in our liver but we also get some from foods we eat (dietary cholesterol). In fact your body makes all of the cholesterol that you need, so experts recommend intake of the lowest possible amount of dietary cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is found in animal foods such as meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Foods that are high in trans saturated and saturated fats will increase your cholesterol.
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There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Generally the HDL is considered the "good" cholesterol and the LDL is considered the "bad" cholesterol. Your cholesterol report from the lab will also break the cholesterol down into more specific subgroups, but the main point is that too much bad cholesterol and/or not enough good cholesterol increases the risk that plaque will build up in the artery walls and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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The American Heart Association talks about remembering 3 things: Check, Change, Control.
Check your cholesterol levels.
Change your eating and exercise habits if levels are too high.
Control your cholesterol with the help of a doctor if needed.
Common Misconceptions concerning cholesterol.
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1. Cholesterol isn't a concern for any children.
2. You don't need a cholesterol check until middle age.
3. Only men need to worry about cholesterol levels.
4. Dieat and exercise alone decide cholesterol levels.
5. With medication, no lifestyle changes are needed.
6. Using margerine instead of butter will help lower your cholesterol.
7. Low fat foods don't have cholesterol.
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