The Importance of Your Cholesterol Reading
If you are older than 20 years old, you should have your cholesterol reading taken. Your doctor may have already taken a cholesterol test as part of your physical exam. You may also have had your cholesterol reading explained to you. By now, you should understand how cholesterol reading can impact your life. That is why you should learn as much as you can about cholesterol. More About Cholesterol Reading The best cholesterol reading is under 100 for LDL levels. It should at least be below 130 for good results. As LDL is the bad cholesterol, you have to keep the number low for this cholesterol reading. If your cholesterol reading shows numbers of 130 or above for LDL, your doctor will very likely suggest a Change in your diet or exercise. Cholesterol reading for HDL levels should be above 60. As HDL is the good cholesterol, you have to always keep the number high. If you are a man whose cholesterol reading for HDL is below 40 or a woman whose number is below 50 your doctor will suggest ways to improve it. The numbers of cholesterol reading for triglycerides should be under 150. Triglycerides are fats that come from excess calories, alcohol or sugar. It travels through your blood and it can cause coronary artery disease. To improve your cholesterol reading it is very important to avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Butter substitutes with very low levels of these kinds of fats are available. Always look for specially labeled spreads but remember to use all fats sparingly. Being overweight may sometimes indicates that you have high cholesterol. However, that doesn't mean that slim people are safe from high cholesterol. If you are slim but eat lots of cholesterol-rich foods or you have a hereditary predisposition to high cholesterol, you should get a test and check your cholesterol reading. Get yourself tested and ask your doctor what your cholesterol reading means. To stay healthy, always adopt a low fat diet and remember to exercise regularly. Even if a food label say "low-cholesterol" you must still check the nutrition label too. Always avoid taking food with saturated and trans fats. Some people believe that high cholesterol would not affect you if you are young. This belief is wrong and bad for your health. To be sure your cholesterol level is within the safe limits, you must take a test regularly and check your cholesterol reading. Only the cholesterol reading can tell you if you are within the limit or if you need to modify your diet and lifestyle.
|
