Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Author: Cynthia
Many people believe that the connection between cholesterol and heart disease begins with low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is not all together true. You may have acceptable blood level lipids and still be at risk for heart disease. Here are a few other things to consider.
High blood pressure: Causes major stress on the heart which increases the risk of blood vessel blockage, thus increasing your risk of heart disease.
Exercise or physical activity: Studies have shown that regular physical activity decreases the risk of heart disease and helps improve cholesterol related blood lipid levels.
Smoking: Twenty percent of people who die from heart disease were smokers. If you stop smoking, your chances of having heart disease will diminish every year. After 15 years of non smoking you will have the same chance of getting heart disease as a non smoker.
Obesity: People who are over weight or obese tend to have higher instances of high cholesterol levels, diabetes and high blood pressure, all causes of heart disease.
Diet
Diets low in fats go a long way to helping you keep your cholesterol levels normal. Try and find a program that limits your fat calories to 7% of your overall diet. Increase your soluble fiber by eating oats, bran and whole grains. Eat plenty of vegetables and beans. Carrots are a good source of soluble fiber. Eat lean meats and eliminate eggs, solid fats, organ meats, processed meats and full fat dairy products. There are many more diet changes you can make, but the above suggestions are a good place to start.
Physical Activity
Incorporating an exercise program into your daily schedule will help you stay healthy. Thirty minutes of low impact exercise like riding a stationary bike, walking on a treadmill, or walking out side are great ways to help you loose weight and reduce your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
Cholesterol and heart disease go hand in hand, but diet and physical activity can help reduce your chances or even prevent heart disease all together.
Posted in 3 Responses to “Cholesterol and Heart Disease”
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Heart Disease runs in my family, and so far, regular exercise and eating the right kind of food has helped a lot. Oatmeal in the morning, or cereals, fruits for dessert, simple steps like these can help big time.
Most people think it can’t be that simple, but exercise and diet can help. Thanks for sharing.
[...] the first thing that comes to mind, but did you know that your blood pressure is also important? Cholesterol and heart disease can go hand in hand and they both can be managed in the same [...]