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Sep 05,2008
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance found in every cell of the body. Although cholesterol serves many important functions in the body, too much cholesterol can be bad. The bloodstream transports cholesterol throughout the body by special carriers called lipoproteins. The two major lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is most often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol whereas HDL is knows the "good" cholesterol.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVEL?
High cholesterol affects everyone - every age, race, fitness and weight level. Therefore, understanding cholesterol and knowing what to do could lead you to have a healthier and longer life, reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Even if you eat right and have plenty of exercise because of risk factors that beyond your control such as genetics, advanced age and stress level.
FACTS FROM RECENT STUDIES
An estimated 105 million American adults have total blood cholesterol values of 200 mg/dL and higher, and about 42 million American adults have levels of 240 or above. In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high, and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high (NEJM 2003)
Doctors estimate that there are 15 million to 25 million Americans that appear to have healthy total cholesterol scores, but are in fact at risk of cardiovascular disease simply because their HDL is too low. (Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2003)
Unacceptable cholesterol level that lead to obesity, diabetes mellitus, kidney and thyroid problems and cardiovascular disease (American Heart Association)
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. More than 2.4 million Americans will have a heart attack this year, which claims a life every 33 seconds (American Heart Association).
Continual increases in cholesterol level greatly affect heart attack risk. For every one point increase in total cholesterol, heart attack risk rises 2%. An increase of 25 points can boost heart attack risk by 50%. (Heartpoint.com)
MANAGE YOUR RISK IT IS NOT TOO LATE
A 10% decrease in cholesterol may result in an estimated 30% reduction in coronary heart disease. (American Heart Association)
Heart disease, attacks and surgery can be avoided by decreasing cholesterol levels. In a recent clinical study, more than 4400 heart disease patients were given cholesterol-lowering treatments. The study found that for every 1000 patients under treatment, 70 of the 210 expected nonfatal heart attacks would be avoided, 40 of the 90 people expected to die from heart disease would be saved and 60 of the 210 people expected to have heart surgeries would not require an operation. (National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute)
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