Why High Blood Cholesterol Is Dangerous

Cholesterol, like fats, cannot pass alone into the bloodstream because it does not interact with water. Blood volume carries cholesterol to cells called lipoproteins such as blood-borne trucks that transport cholesterol to various tissues of the body for use, storage or release. But too much of this circulating cholesterol can damage the arteries, especially the coronary arteries. This leads to the accumulation of "cholesterol plaque" full of cholesterol in the vessels of the vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis. When blood flow to the heart is interrupted, the heart muscle is starving for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If the blood clot completely blocks the coronary artery due to atherosclerosis, heart disease (myocardial infarction) or death may occur. Are you in danger? Heart disease is still one of the major health problems affecting western countries. According to the American Heart Foundation, more than 70 million Americans have coronary heart disease (CVD). The national cost is about $ 400 billion and every 45 seconds an American person has a stokvel. Other risk factors increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. 1. Obesity 2. High blood cholesterol 3. Inadequate exercise 4. High blood pressure 5. Smoking 6. Excessive drinking 7. Diabetes Many people have many risk factors for heart disease and the risk level increases with the number of risk factors. . By reducing these risk factors you can significantly prevent the onset of heart disease. By itself high blood cholesterol is not really a problem, but it is accompanied by one or more risk factors for heart disease, usually grass that breaks the camel's back. Therefore, it is very important to know what your cholesterol levels are and to keep them healthy before you have any problems. High cholesterol risk If your total cholesterol level is 240 or higher, it is very high. You are at high risk for heart attack and stroke. In fact, you should check your LDL and HDL cholesterol. Ask your doctor for advice. About 20 percent of the U.S. population they have high levels of cholesterol in the blood. People at high risk at the border People with a total cholesterol of 200 to 239 mg / dL have high cholesterol levels. About one-third of American adults in this group, while about half of adults have total cholesterol levels below 200 mg / dL. In fact, people with a total cholesterol of 240 mg / dL are twice as likely to have heart disease as people with a cholesterol level of 200 mg / dL. Does physical activity affect cholesterol? Other factors that affect blood cholesterol levels: Heredity - High cholesterol often runs in families. Although genetic factors have been identified in only a few cases, genes still play a role in influencing blood cholesterol levels. If your parents have high cholesterol, you need to get tested to see if your cholesterol levels are too high. Age and Gender - Before menstruation, women tend to have lower overall cholesterol levels than men of the same age. Cholesterol levels rise naturally as men and women grow older. Menopause is often associated with increased LDL cholesterol in women. Depression - Studies have not shown that stress is directly related to cholesterol levels. But experts say that because people sometimes eat fatty foods to comfort themselves when they are depressed, this can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Excess weight - Obesity often raises blood cholesterol levels. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. The greatest risk of high cholesterol levels occurs when that extra weight is concentrated in the abdominal region, as opposed to the legs or buttocks.