Products to lower cholesterol

There is evidence that foods containing certain added ingredients, such as plant sterols and stanols, can reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood.Sterols and stanols can be found in specially developed products, such as some spreads and yoghurts. These foods are aimed at people who need to lower their cholesterol levels. People who don't have high cholesterol shouldn't eat these products regularly, particularly children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have high cholesterol, you can help to lower it by changing your diet, without eating special products. If you do eat foods that are designed to lower cholesterol, read the label carefully to avoid eating too much.

Foods containing cholesterol ?

Some foods contain cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is called dietary cholesterol. Liver, kidneys, eggs and prawns are higher in dietary cholesterol than other foods.But the cholesterol we get from our food has much less effect on the level of cholesterol in our blood than the amount of saturated fat we eat.However, liver is also a rich source of vitamin A, which can be harmful in high amounts.So women who are pregnant should avoid eating liver, and older people at risk of bone fracture should avoid eating liver or liver products more than once a week. People who eat liver every week might want to choose not to have it more often because the body stores vitamin A and levels can build up over many years

Why do I need to know my cholesterol number?

Your cholesterol number indicates the total level of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol levels are usually measured as TOTAL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS (total amount of ‘GOOD’ and ‘BAD’ cholesterol). Raised cholesterol is not an illness in itself, but it is associated with a number of diseases. People with diabetes are at particular risk from a raised level of total cholesterol or a raised level of ‘BAD’ LDL-cholesterol. That’s why it is important to KNOW YOUR NUMBER as this will allow you to manage your cholesterol levels.

How can you find out what your cholesterol number is?

Measuring cholesterol levels is simple. Your GP or nurse will take a small blood sample which is then used to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Before this test you will normally need to fast (not eat) for eight to twelve hours or overnight in order that an accurate reading can be made.
The only way to find out if you have a raised cholesterol number is to get a blood test as you cannot normally tell if you have a raised level. Also remember recommendations have recently changed and leading UK heart doctors now recommend lower cholesterol numbers than previously suggested. You may want to discuss this with your doctor.

What should my cholesterol number be?

a lower target for total cholesterol of below 4.0 mmol/l.

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL: below 4.0 mmol/l
• ‘BAD’ LDL-CHOLESTEROL: below 2.0 mmol/l

Why is high cholesterol a problem?

The main risk associated with high cholesterol is cardiovascular disease (CVD). This includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. High cholesterol causes blood vessels to become narrowed with fatty deposits called plaques. This can result in heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel problems. For more information see Angina, Heart attack and Stroke.

Diet to reduce cholesterol

• Healthy eating can reduce cholesterol. Your diet should be low in saturated fats in particular, and low in fat overall. Biscuits, cakes, pastries, red meat, hard cheese, butter and foods containing coconut or palm oil all tend to be high in saturated fats, so cut down on these foods.
• Large amounts of cholesterol are found in a few foods, including eggs, offal such as liver and kidneys, and prawns. However, if you're already eating a balanced diet, you don't need to cut down on these foods unless your GP or dietitian have advised you to.
• It's also important to eat plenty of fibre, especially soluble fibre, which is thought to lower cholesterol. It's found in fruits and vegetables, beans and oats. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Diagnosis high cholesterol level

Having a high cholesterol level does not cause symptoms. Most people find out they have high cholesterol when they have their blood cholesterol measured as part of a medical check-up. Alternatively, it may be identified after other health problems, such as heart disease, have been diagnosed.

Who should have a cholesterol test?

• Anyone who has any cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (disease in the blood vessels that supply the limbs) or stroke, should have their cholesterol measured by a doctor.
• Anyone, even children, with a family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia should have their cholesterol measured.
  
• Anyone aged 35 or over should consider having their cholesterol measured if they have one or more of the following risk factors for CVD: family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if they smoke.
  

How diet affects blood cholesterol?

Only a small amount of cholesterol comes directly from your diet - the majority is produced by your liver. However, if your diet is high in saturated fats and cholesterol this can cause your liver to produce more LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The amount that diet influences cholesterol levels varies from person to person.

Soy Foods

Soy Foods
Soy does not reduce cholesterol or heart disease risk, according to an American Heart Association (AHA) science advisory. The AHA, however, still recommends including soy foods as part of a heart healthy diet.

Low-Carb Diets

Low-Carb Diets
Low-carbohydrate diets may improve triglyceride and HDL levels, but they also raise LDL levels. Experts do not recommend low-carb diets for cholesterol control.

Statin Drugs

Statin Drugs
Statin drugs may be able to reverse heart disease. The study found that Crestor not only significantly reduces LDL levels but also lowers fatty build-up in clogged arteries. Future research will determine if other statins have a similar positive effect. Rosuvastatin(Crestor) is better at lowering LDL than other statin drugs, but it also has a greater risk for serious side effects.

LDL and Heart Disease

Small lifetime reductions in LDL can make a big difference in heart health. Keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels low at a younger age can prevent the later development of heart disease. A healthy diet and weight control are the best first steps for cholesterol management.

Cholesterol Test.Sample required?

Cholesterol Test
Also known as: Blood cholesterol, total cholesterol
Related tests: HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Lipid profile

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a finger

Cholesterol Test.When to get tested?

Cholesterol Test
Also known as: Blood cholesterol, total cholesterol
Related tests: HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Lipid profile

When to get tested?

• 
  If you already know you have heart disease (angina, heart attack)
• 
  If there is a family history of high cholesterol, or of heart disease at an early age
• 
  If you are over 35 years old and have risk factors which puts you at an increased chance of developing heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or you are a smoker
• 
  If you are taking drugs to lower your cholesterol level

Cholesterol Test.Why get tested?

Cholesterol Test.
Also known as: Blood cholesterol, total cholesterol
Related tests: HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Lipid profile

Why get tested?To screen for risk of developing heart disease

LDL Cholesterol Test.Sample required?

LDL Cholesterol Test

Also known as: LDL, 'bad' cholesterol

Sample required?A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or from a fingerstick.

LDL Cholesterol Test.When to get tested?

LDL Cholesterol Test
Also known as: LDL, 'bad' cholesterol

When to get tested?
As part of a regular examination with a cholesterol test or lipid profile or if your total cholesterol is high.

LDL Cholesterol Test.Why get tested?

LDL Cholesterol Test.Why get tested?

Also known as: LDL, LDL-C, 'bad' cholesterol
Formal name: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Related tests: Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, Lipid profile
To determine risk of developing heart disease

List of common drugs prescribed for lowering cholesterol?

Cholesterol drug

• Crestor
• Lipitor Oral
• Pravachol Oral
• Tricor Oral
• Vytorin 10-80 Oral
• Zetia Oral
• Zocor Oral
  Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.These drug are prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight.

*Always consult your doctor first.

What is HDL ?

HDL cholesterol

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein and is considered good cholesterol. HDL accounts for ~1/3 of all blood circulating cholesterol and serves as a protective mechanism from the development of heart disease by carrying away cholesterol from vessel walls and plaque to the liver for disposal. Higher levels of HDL have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What is LDL?

LDL cholesterol

LDL stands for low density lipoprotein and is considered bad cholesterol. LDL is a necessary protein in the body for it transports substances vital to cell function and development. When there is an excess of LDL in the blood or when it undergoes structural changes from certain body stresses, LDL can become harmful by accumulating in blood vessels walls. This can lead to blockages in arteries or unstable plaque build-up which is prone to rupture and the formation of blood clots. Levels of LDL and its subtypes are directly related to the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Low Cholesterol Diet

• Low Cholesterol Diet
• 
  Oatmeal lowers your LDL without lowering your HDL.
• 
  Fish is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, lowers LDL, raises HDL, and lowers triglycerides.
• 
  Nuts are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, lower LDL.
• 
  Soy has been shown to lower LDL.
• 
  Fiber lowers your cholesterol. It can be found in kidney beans, green peas, broccoli, apples, brown rice, and whole grain breads.
• 
  Antioxidants in foods, such as vitamins A, C, and E, lower the chances of LDL building up in your arteries. You can get your antioxidant vitamins in foods such as strawberries, oranges, oils and margarines, and melons.

Home cholesterol test ?

A cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in serum (part of the blood).
A blood test for cholesterol should include the entire lipoprotein profile: LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. For home cholesterol test
CholesTrak Test can be taken at home with results in 10 minutes, but it measures only total cholesterol. The BioSafe Cholesterol Panel Test is also a home test, but it needs to be sent to a laboratory. This test, however, is very accurate and provides a full lipid profile.

Why cholesterol level determined ?

Doctors test cholesterol levels to determine how much cholesterol is carried by low density cholesterol and how much is carried by HDL cholesterol. Determining these cholesterol levels can indicate whether more cholesterol is remaining in the bloodstream, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Blood helps to transport cholesterol through the body. Because cholesterol is a lipid, it doesn't mix with water. Blood, however, is made up of a substantial amount of water. Therefore, in order to move cholesterol through the bloodstream, the body wraps it in proteins, forming lipoproteins. The lipoproteins glide through the bloodstream like microscopic submarines carrying cargoes of cholesterol to destinations in the body.

For more Cholesterol Levels Overview http://www.keep-cholesterol-control.com/index.html

To obtain a reliable cholesterol reading what are requirements?

To obtain a reliable cholesterol reading

• 
  Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test.
• 
  Do not eat or drink anything but water for 12 hours beforehand.
• 
  If the test results are abnormal, a second test should be performed between 1 week and 2 months after the first test.

The BioSafe Cholesterol Panel Test is a home test, but it needs to be sent to a laboratory. This test, however, is very accurate and provides a full lipid profile.

What should the ratio be between a person's HDL and LDL cholesterol?

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL has some value. The number used as a target was 3.0, with a lower number representing a lower risk. A person can have a good ratio with a high total cholesterol when the HDL (good) cholesterol is high. The converse is true for a very low HDL.
The absolute values for LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are more reliable guides for determining intensity of treatment. An HDL level of less than 40 milligrams per deciliter is low, and less than 30 mg/dL is very low.
Goals for LDL cholesterol level depend upon presence or absence of other risk factors. If someone has coronary heart disease, or multiple other risk factors for coronary heart disease, or diabetes, the goal for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. Without additional risk factors, a high LDL with an HDL greater than 60 would be less worrisome and, if calculated, usually show a low ratio.

Does stress affect cholesterol levels?

Stress can have an indirect affect on cholesterol.

Stress tends to elevate blood levels of the fight-and-flight hormones by stimulating the release of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol from the adrenal glands. These hormones tell the body's fat to send out more triglyceride into the blood stream. Triglyceride is one component of the total cholesterol count.

Overeating and eating the wrong foods may affect on cholesterol. Many people react to stress in just this way. Stress may also cause a person to stop his or her daily exercise. The result could be an increase in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, not exercising might lower the HDL (good) cholesterol level.

What are High Cholesterol Symptoms

There are no warning signs for high LDL cholesterol levels. When symptoms finally occur, they usually take the form of angina or heart attack in response to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the patient's arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in which fatty material is deposited in the vessel wall, resulting in narrowing and eventual impairment of blood flow.

Want to know what cholestrol is?
http://www.keep-cholesterol-control.com/index.html