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Cholesterol 101

Cholesterol 101. Facts Every Adult Should Know. By : Jennifer Palm. A waxy, fat-like substance Produced naturally in the body - via the liver Also consumed through your diet. What is Cholesterol?. Sources of cholesterol. Cholesterol Continued.

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Cholesterol 101

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  1. Cholesterol 101 Facts Every Adult Should Know By: JenniferPalm

  2. A waxy, fat-like substance Produced naturally in the body - via the liver Also consumed through your diet What is Cholesterol? Sources of cholesterol

  3. Cholesterol Continued It’s normal to have a certain amount of cholesterol in your body In fact, it’s needed for good health • to produce cell membranes and various hormones But too much cholesterol can have a negative impact on your health

  4. Types of Cholesterol • There are two different kinds: • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) • Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) • Often referred to as “good” cholesterol

  5. Types of Cholesterol Cont’d Low-density lipoproteins • deliver cholesterol to the body • stick to the walls of the arteries – clogging them High-density lipoproteins • carry the LDL to the liver to be broken down • work to protect the arteries from plaque build up

  6. Also known as hypercholesterolemia Greatly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke High Cholesterol

  7. High Cholesterol Continued Extra cholesterol in the blood Builds up on the walls ofyour arteries Causing arteries to narrow or harden - a process known as atherosclerosis Which can completely block an artery

  8. High Cholesterol Continued This picture illustrates how cholesterol builds up in your arteries over time.

  9. High Cholesterol Continued A blocked artery has the potential to be extremely life-threatening.

  10. Contributing Factors • Diet • Consuming foods high in saturated/trans fats and dietary cholesterol • Includes: • Fast food • Fried food • Egg yolks • Meat • Dairy products

  11. Contributing Factors Continued • Obesity • Major risk factor for heart disease • Usually due to an intake of foods high in saturated fats • Smoking • Another risk factor for heart disease and stroke • Reduces HDL and changes LDL

  12. Contributing Factors Continued • Inactivity • Can lead to weight gain • Raising LDL cholesterol • Heredity • High cholesterol tends to run in families • Resulting in high levels of LDL

  13. Contributing Factors Continued • Gender and Age • Men usually develop coronary artery disease earlier than women • Men tend to have lower HDL levels while women have higher LDL • Everyone’s LDL levels rise as they age

  14. Contributing Factors Continued • Other Medical Conditions • There are other conditions that can also affect your cholesterol levels, including: • Kidney disease • Diabetes • Hypothyroidism

  15. Recommended Values If total cholesterol and LDL are higher than recommended values or if HDL is lower, you are at an increased risk for heart disease.

  16. Cholesterol Testing • There are no signs and symptoms • So, get your blood cholesterol checked at least once a year by your physician

  17. Cholesterol Testing Continued • If your cholesterol is high: • You will be put on a diet and exercise regimen • If that does not work, you will be put on medication

  18. Suggestions For Lowering Cholesterol Maintain a healthy diet • Limit saturated and trans fats in your diet • Increase dietary fiber • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables They contain zero cholesterol!

  19. Suggestions For Lowering Cholesterol Cont’d Maintain a healthy weight • Being overweight or obese can drastically increase LDL levels • Losing weight can lower these levels A proper diet and regular physical activity can help you achieve this!

  20. Suggestions For Lowering Cholesterol Cont’d • Be active • Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all days of the week • Benefits: • lower cholesterol levels • maintain a healthy weight

  21. Quit smoking It speeds up the process of atherosclerosis Limit alcohol consumption Suggestions For Lowering Cholesterol Cont’d

  22. References http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1516 http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/risk/029.html

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