Contrary to the bad reputation cholesterol has received in the media lately, we DO need it. Without cholesterol, we would not have hormones such as estrogen or testosterone in our bodies. Cholesterol gives our cells the strength they need to maintain their shape.
Cholesterol is also used in the body to provide the myelin lining to our nerve fibers. This helps our nerves to relay signals more rapidly and efficiently.
Get Your Cholesterol Checked
The current guidelines recommend that everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. However, if you have a family history of high cholesterol, or you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, you may consider checking your cholesterol more frequently. Once diagnosed, lifestyle modifications, and possibly medication, may lower your cholesterol. Even if you have not been diagnosed as having high cholesterol, there are many preventative measures that can be taken to reduce your cholesterol, as well as your risk for heart disease.
Prevention of High Cholesterol
Typically, you won’t know that you have high cholesterol levels until you get a blood test that includes your lipid profile. Allowing your cholesterol levels to remain unchecked may lead to a variety of complications, including heart disease and possibly death. Prevention is one of your most important weapons in the fight against high cholesterol levels and heart disease. What can you do to prevent high cholesterol levels? Taking an inventory of your lifestyle and keeping in mind the following tips can help you to a healthy heart:
Obtain a Healthy Weight
Get Physical
Watch What You Eat
Pay Attention to Your Medications
Stop Smoking
Sources
Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (PDF)