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Cholesterol Informationhome > senior health > cholesterol informationUnderstanding and tracking the two types of cholesterol that are present in the body can lead to lifestyle changes that can actually heal and improve the quality of health for seniors. HDL cholesterol is considered to be good cholesterol. It removes excess cholesterol from the walls of the arteries. Beneficial levels of HDL tend to run higher than 40 mg/dl of blood. Women tend to have generally higher levels of HDL. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in the system the lower the calculated risk of heart disease is. Conversely the LDL cholesterol level is considered the bad cholesterol. It is the cholesterol that forms deposits along the insides of the artery walls. HDL cholesterol actually works to eliminate this particular cholesterol from the insides of the artery walls. Optimal LDL cholesterol levels are lower than 100 mg/dl, near optimal levels are 100 - 129 mg/dl, borderline high levels are 130 - 159 mg/dl, while high levels would be anything greater than 160 mg/dl. Many professional organizations consider the LDL cholesterol level to the best indicator of a persons risk for heart disease, the lower the level the lower the risk. Some studies have shown that LDL cholesterol levels are largely hereditary but there are things that can be done to elevate the good cholesterols and reduce the bad. LDL cholesterol levels are elevated by certain drugs such as aspirin, oral contraceptives, and phenothiazines. LDL cholesterol can also be lessened by reducing sugar intake, alcohol included. Dramatic results can be achieved over the course of a year of dietary change that includes eating considerable amounts of fresh vegetables and other whole foods. The benefits of monitoring personal cholesterol levels can help to ease the progression of life and its impacts upon our bodies. Many people have found that elimination of bad cholesterols has lead to a better functioning body as well as a better general feeling of welfare. Further wseful information can be found at the americanheart.org Cholesterol page. |
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