HOW TO REVERSE THE BUILD UP OF CHOLESTEROL.
Hyperlipidemia is the buildup of excess cholesterol in your body, and a major risk factor for stroke or heart attack.
Let’s imagine you have too much cholesterol in your blood, how do you reverse the accumulation?
FIRST OFF, WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF EXCESS CHOLESTEROL?
There’re usually no signs as cholesterol builds up, however with time, you notice symptoms like;
– Chest Pain
– Yellowish deposits around your eyes called Xanthelasma
– High blood pressure
– Numbness in extremities
– Shortness of breath
– Fatty bumps under the skin
– Tingling or pain in the jaw due to reduced blood circulation.
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood and in every cell of the body.
– It helps the liver make bile for digestion of food
– It supports production of sex hormones and Vitamin D
– It also protects your cell membranes.
These functions are essential for maintaining balance in the body, however there’s such a thing as too much cholesterol.
When cholesterol is in excess, they start to build up on artery walls, causing a reduction in blood flow.
This can lead to heart and brain complications.
WHAT CAUSES BUILDUP OF CHOLESTEROL?
– Sedentary lifestyle
– Unhealthy eating habits
– Smoking and alcohol intake
– Excess stress
– Genetic factors
When cholesterol is left unchecked, it can cause complications like;
– Coronary artery disease
– Peripheral artery disease
– Heart attacks
– Stroke.
HOW TO REVERSE BUILD UP OF CHOLESTEROL
To reverse build up of cholesterol, you have to live a healthy lifestyle.
– Avoid smoking and alcohol
– Exercise regularly
– Include healthy fats like omega 3 fatty acids in your diet
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Adhere to your medications
Additionally, make sure to see a doctor when you notice symptoms listed above.
He/she would start you on medications and lifestyle modification depending on the severity.
You can check your actual cholesterol levels with a blood test.
What are the ranges?
Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.
Normal range for adult men and women:
Total cholesterol – Less than 200mg/dl
Low density lipoprotein – Less than 100mg/dl
High density lipoprotein – Greater or equal to 60mg/dl.
Anything less or greater than these values point to excess cholesterol.
Reducing cholesterol is the first step to a healthy heart and brain.
Practice healthy living and get regular checkups.
– Follow @zizelle_ for more information.
About Author
