It is estimated that 106.9 million adults in America have total blood cholesterol levels that is greater than 200 mg/dL (which is above the desirable levels). Within this group, 37.7 million have levels greater than 240 mg/dL (which is classified as high risk).
Statistics from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics as published by the American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2005 Update. Dallas, TX: AHA, 2004.
Cholesterol level is one of the most prevalent concerns where health is concerned. Food labels are shouting "Low In Cholesterol". Your doctor checks your cholesterol level whenever you go for a health screen. Magazine articles connect cholesterol with cardiovascular heart disease.
But what is cholesterol actually? Is it really bad? Why is so everyone concerned about reducing cholesterol levels in their blood? How does it cause heart attack and stroke?
Cholesterol can be both good and bad. Actually, cholesterol is vital in certain important body functions. Your body will not work without cholesterol. For example, cholesterol is used to ferry fat in the blood, generate cell walls and is an ingredient in making hormones. However, excessive amounts of cholesterol clogs up blood vessels (especially the coronary ones that supply the heart), impeding blood flow to the heart and other part of the body. Restricted blood flow starves the heart of oxygen, causing chest pains. If the blood vessels become completely obstructed, a heart attack or even death can occur.
It is important for you to learn about the nature cholesterol and how it affects your health. With this knowledge in hand, everyone you can learn to manage healthy cholesterol levels and live a healthier life. A healthy cholesterol level reduces your risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Treatment for high cholesterol levels usually starts with lifestyle changes. This includes keeping a healthy weight, keeping active and reducing stress and smoking. However, for some people, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to reduce their cholesterol levels. These people will require additional aid in the form of cholesterol-reducing drugs. There are currently four categories of cholesterol lowering drugs - Bile acid sequesterants, Statins, Fibric acid derivatives and Niacin (Vitamin B3). Most of these are available only by prescription with the exception of Niacin which is available over–the–counter.