LDL (Low density lipoproteins) is generally called as “bad cholesterol” and is always correlated with medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, etc. The foods that contain saturated fats increase your LDL levels, leading to a rise in total cholesterol. High levels of total cholesterol (Above 100 mg/dL) can build up “plaque” in your arteries, which may obstruct the blood supply to your heart, ultimately leading to serious health issues.
WHAT ARE LDL LEVELS THAT YOU NEED TO KEEP UP FOR A HEALTHY HEART?
According to WHO, Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of death globally, taking almost 17.9 million lives each year. CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. More than 4 out of 5 deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and 1/3rd of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.
LDL and HDL (high density lipoproteins) play a crucial role in keeping the cardiovascular system healthy. HDL is also called as “good cholesterol” which potentially lowers the risk of cardiac disorders which carries cholesterol from the bloodstream to liver for metabolism. The higher the HDL, the better will be heart health.
WHAT ARE THE FOODS TO BE AVOIDED?
Processed foods such as cheese, butter, cakes, biscuits contain trans fats that increase your LDL levels. Having these foods once in a while does not impact your health, but consuming packaged foods containing saturated fats in your daily diet always keeps at a significant risk of encountering health problems.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND FOOD HABITS IS THE SOLUTION FOR KEEPING YOURSELF YOUNG AND ACTIVE:
Studies have reported that changes in lifestyle alone can lower your cholesterol levels and keep you out of risk. A research found that regular exercise with low-fat diet can increase the HDL levels up to 13%. Coupling diet with an exercise program of 10 miles of walking or jogging per week produced a more substantial 14% to 20% decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.
Incorporation of plant based proteins such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables can lower your LDL levels. Including a variety of foods rich in soluble fibers and fruits. While having packaged food, check its ingredients/ content for saturated fats. This is how you will be able to avoid consumption of unhealthy food unintentionally.
WHAT ARE THE TESTS YOU NEED TO UNDERGO TO KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS?
You shall undergo a lipid profile test which reflects your total cholesterol levels, LDL and HDL levels after which you can consult a physician.
If your physician finds that your results are out of range, you may be prescribed with medicines or you may receive an advice to change your diet and lifestyle.
WHAT ARE THE MEDICATIONS IF YOUR LDL LEVELS ARE AT A RISK?
Statins (Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, etc), Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (Ezetimibe), PCSK9 inhibitors (Alirocumab, Evolocumab), Bile acid sequestrants (Cholestyramine, Colestipol), Fibrates (Fenofibrates) etc., can be prescribed to you. These medications shall be taken only in consultation of an experienced physician after checking your medical history and health status.
CONCLUSION
The risk of cardiac diseases has been increasing every decade, which has impacted plenty of lives all over the world. In order to know what is good for our health, we need to understand what the basic elements of our body that have a significant contribution to our health. LDL and HDL play a crucial role in keeping your heart healthy and active, and it is our responsibility to have a lifestyle and food habit that always saves us from medications.
Lifestyle diseases are often treated with medications, but our body has been built in a way that it adapts natural substances and eliminates the artificial ones, therefore, no matter what medications are invented or what does the technology offer us to deal with our diseases, it is always good to deal with health issues with natural things as far as possible.