LDL Heart disease

LDL Heart Disease

You face many potential health problems if you have elevated levels of LDL. Heart disease is one of several health problems that result from high cholesterol.

LDL is short for low density lipoprotein, is commonly known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol. Your disease risk factor rises when you have high levels of LDL, heart disease amongst them.  When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, the excess builds along the walls of your arteries. Over time, a hardening of the arteries occurs, with the result that blood flow can be restricted to your heart.

The blood carries oxygen to the heart. You may suffer from chest pain if not enough blood and oxygen reach the heart. If the heart is completely cut off from the blood supply, you will suffer a heart attack.

Most people are unaware that they have high levels of LDL. Heart disease caused by high cholesterol does not show symptoms. It is therefore important to check your cholesterol levels at least once every five years.

Your total cholesterol level should be below 200 mg/dL, while a level below 130 mg/dL is acceptable for LDL. Heart disease risk becomes higher for LDL readings above 130 mg/dL, with results higher than 190 mg/dL requiring immediate corrective action.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is part of the solution to reduce your levels of LDL. Heart disease risk is reduced when your HDL levels are higher, as it actually helps to remove deposits of LDL along the artery walls to the liver, where it is removed from the bloodstream. There are several foods that boost HDL levels, including fish with Omega-3 fatty acids, oat bran, and many fruits and vegetables. You should also reduce your intake of high cholesterol foods, including red meats, dairy products, and eggs.

If you watch your diet closely and reduce your levels of LDL, heart disease risk will also decrease.