LDL Cholesterol –Why Should You Get Tested For It?

LDL or low-density lipoprotein is called bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol indicates the need for life style change and in extreme cases it can lead to heart attack, stroke etc.. You might want to know how to reduce ldl - low density lipoprotien. There are medications to treat high LDL cholesterol. The article enlightens you about LDL cholesterol and why should you get the tests done to treat it.

This article covers

• When Should You Test For LDL?
• How to reduce LDL and manage its levels with medication
• Natural and Herbal Treatments
• Maintain LDL Cholesterol by Diet

LDL or low-density lipoprotein is called bad cholesterol. It has been implicated in coronary heart disease, stroke, artherosclerosis disease and heart attack. Lower LDL cholesterol may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol has the consistency of a fatty wax, and it has a tendency to accumulate in the arteries. When plaques form it is called atherosclerosis Disease.

When Should You Test For LDL?

High LDL cholesterol in the blood should serve as a warning to make lifestyle changes to protect health and heart. Cholesterol is detected by blood tests and is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. Generally testing for cholesterol numbers is done every five years for women 55 and older and for men 45 and older.

Unless there is risk factors that warrant more frequent testing, such as high LDL cholesterol. LDL can often be managed by lifestyle changes that include exercise, and stopping smoking. In addition dietary changes, an optimum LDL cholesterol diet would include foods high mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated oils. Also considered beneficial for ldl management are herbal treatments such as beta carotene. Additionally, medication can result in significant reductions in LDL. Statin drugs, for example have been effective in treating high LDL.

Total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dl. LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are often measured together. The portion of total cholesterol considered optimal is less than 100mg/dl and 100-129 is considered near optimal to above optimal. Rates of LDL and levels that have reached 160 mg/dl – 190mg/dl is high to very high.

The higher the number, the greater the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart attack. In the effort to lower LDL cholesterol levels preference should be given to lifestyle changes before beginning medication. However if LDL rates are too high medication may be an option. LDL is best when kept below 100 mg/dl!

Medications Used to Reduce and Manage LDL

Medications used to reduce LDL include the following:

Fenofibrate Fibrate (Fibrate acid derivatives)

Reduce trigylcerides (fats) from the blood, lowers LDL and simultaneously raises HDL or Good cholesterol.

Statins

reduce LDL by interfering with the production of LDL in the liver. This drug also removes a build up of cholesterol.

Resins

aka bile acid sequestrates

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

These drugs prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the stomach. This drug may or may not include the combination with Statins. Cholesterol absorption inhibiters can reduce LDL cholesterol.

Beware of Drug Interactions and Side Effects.

Caution should be exercised when taking multiple drugs because of possible drug interactions. Medications for reducing high LDL may have side effects. Some of these side effects are; dizziness, insomnia, muscle pain, headache, decreased libido, hair loss, weight loss, and nausea.

Natural and Herbal Treatments

Natural herbal supplements that have been indicated to provide therapeutic effects towards reducing LDL levels have gained attention. Guggul reduces LDL by increasing HDL, Policosanol, Calcium citrate, and beta-carotene.

Continue to : Maintain LDL Cholesterol by Diet

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