Cholesterol is a fraction of blood lipids. These include triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids. Cholesterol is involved in the production of all cells, hormones … but its increase in blood and artery walls can be dangerous (atherosclerosis).
Good and bad cholesterol
There is indeed the “good cholesterol” in the form of lipoproteins “high density” (HDL) that would not present any inconvenient, they are rather beneficial because it allows the elimination of excess cholesterol in the cells. The “bad cholesterol” or low density lipoproteins (LDL) or even very low density (VLDL) that would be fats risk for the arteries. They promote the formation of plaques. People with high LDL-cholesterol and / or low-HDL-cholesterol are more likely to have coronary heart disease.
Do you know your cholesterol levels?
To find out what the abnormalities are about you, your doctor asks for some blood tests (fasted) * total cholesterol, HDL, LDL,
their reports * triglycerides
Any adult over the age of 20 must know their rate according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommendations.
If this rate is normal, a control every 5 years is sufficient.
Cholesterol level LDL -cholesterol level
<200mg / dl ideal <130 mg / dl ideal
between 200 and 239 limit between 130 and 159 limit
> 240 students > 160 students
Important: These values should be adjusted according to age, sex and HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Real risk assessment is the responsibility of your attending physician.
How to reduce cardiovascular risk?
Lower your cholesterol level
* A 1% drop in cholesterol level decreases your risk of having a 2% heart attack
* A 1% increase in HDL cholesterol level decreases your risk by 3%
* Stop smoking
* Watch your blood pressure
* Have a less sedimentary life
* Reduce your excess weight.
10 recommendations to follow
1- Appreciate your risk factors
2 Know your cholesterol levels 3 reduce your consumption of tobacco s 4 Exercise regularly s 5 vary your diets 6 keep an ideal weight s 7 reduce fat s 8 Eat vegetables and fruits s 9 Beware of salt (sodium)s 10 Alcohol: with moderation
Tracking Log – LDL-cholesterol
This booklet will allow you to follow the progress you have made towards achieving the recommended LDL-cholesterol values.
Write on the front line your current LDL-cholesterol level and in the space below the table, the goal set by your doctor.
Whenever your LDL-cholesterol level is measured by means of a blood test, enter the result and date.
This logbook will allow you to record the progress you have made since the beginning of your program. It would be good to continue recording your LDL-cholesterol levels even after you reach your goal. You will be able to see if you faithfully follow your treatment and control your cholesterol level.