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Have you ever wondered what really is the cause of high cholesterol? Is it just eating all of the junk that modern society consumes or is there much more to it? The basic answer is yes, there is much more to the global problem of high cholesterol levels.
In this article we will define what cholesterol is and that the underlying cause of high cholesterol is not just fast food.
High cholesterol is the fatty-like substance that makes it\'s home in the blood and eventually clogs your arteries. This continued narrowing of the arteries cuts off blood supply to the heart with the end consequences of heart attack and stroke.
The high-calorie fast food diet that modern man has adopted does contribute to high cholesterol levels, but is only part of the underlying causes for this disorder. Let\'s further explore what those causes are and we will begin with a close look at the diet. We all are aware that fast food can contribute to obesity and these foods have high levels of saturated fats. These are bad because they raise your LDL or bad cholesterol levels more so, than any other part of your diet.
Heredity is one factor that you can not control. Genetic disposition towards the formation of high cholesterol is passed on from generation to generation, unfortunately. So, in a sense, you can blame your ancestors for a portion of your high cholesterol levels. The genetic disorder that is thought to cause high LDL levels is called familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition begins at birth and may lead to heart attack at an early age.
Age and sex are two other areas that you can not control and can be a cause or causes of high cholesterol. Beginning with puberty males have levels of HDL that are lower than females. Unfortunately, both men and women suffer from LDL levels that continue to rise. After age 55, females show levels that are higher than males.
Something that you may not have heard of as much as the other factors are Triglycerides. The higher these levels go, the higher the risk for cardiac disease. Levels of concern are 150 to 199 mg/dl, which is borderline high to 200 mg/dl or greater, which are high. These levels may require treatment. Some of the factors that may increase your levels of Triglycerides are overweight, smoking, inactivity, genetic disorders, specific diseases and drugs, and finally, a diet very high in carbohydrates.
So, what factors can you control? Well, the first thing that you can control is your diet. Avoid the high saturated fatty foods as they raise LDL levels, dramatically. Another is to avoid being overweight, as this also is responsible for increasing your bad Cholesterol levels or LDL. Exercise more often. Inactivity could also increase your LDL levels and exercise helps to lower both your weight and LDL at the same time. Another bonus is the HDL increase that often occurs with regular exercise.
As you can see, the cause of high cholesterol can often be identified as something simple such as obesity and lack of exercise. What ever the cause of high cholesterol, it is important to consult your doctor and together, formulate a plan to treat your high cholesterol. |
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