Normal range of cholesterol levels are 200 mg/dL or lower for a total count, but it is important to check HDL and LDL levels for a better analysis. To check HDL and LDL levels a blood lipid test will need to be done, which should also reveal triglyceride levels. Normal triglyceride levels are 150 mg/dL and below. HDL is the good cholesterol and is considered normal at 40mg/dL whereas LDL is the bad cholesterol and should be less than 100 mg/dL to be at a desirable range. Lowering high cholesterol can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and medication if needed. A physician will usually try diet and exercise first but may prescribe medication to help get levels down faster, depending upon weight factors and other uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, and family history.
Changing bad lifestyle habits can often make a big difference in lowering high cholesterol levels. Losing weight through dietary changes and daily exercise is the best place to start. Quiting the use of tobacco and decreasing the intake of alcohol will also provide positive contributions in lowering blood lipids. Eating healthy and limiting saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol lower risk factors associated with heart disease. To do nothing about high blood lipid levels could be very dangerous especially if there are other risks factors involved. To obtain and maintain a normal range of cholesterol levels one must make a decision that lifestyle changes need to be permanent. It is the Lord’s will for his children to be in good health and even more than that, he also wishes prosperity for us spiritually, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).
Other risk factors that can contribute to heart disease and stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, and stress. High blood pressure is important to keep a check on and if it remains high for an extended period of time, medication should be prescribed. Signs of diabetes include fatigue, frequent urination, pains in hands and feet, blurring vision, mood swings, cuts or sores that are slow to heal, and family history. This is another disease that needs immediate attention by early diagnosis. Stress can play a factor in developing many kinds of medical problems but if there are additional risks along with stress it can be a huge factor in making a condition much worse. Lifestyle changes are important when stress is a factor, especially when one’s health is being affected. This makes it even more important to make changes to help in lowering high cholesterol levels.
For optimum dietary changes, eat foods low in saturated fat such as fish and other lean meats, whole grain foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Limit processed foods for they usually contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil which is known as trans fats. Limit organ meats such as liver, lunchmeats, and wieners, high-fat dairy products and egg yolks. For good sources of fiber eat oats, oranges, pears, carrots, dried peas and beans. Add flaxseed oil to dishes and eat wild salmon to get plenty of omega 3 acids. Eating properly along with exercise will help one to obtain a normal range of cholesterol levels.
A sedentary lifestyle will contribute to high blood lipid levels, which can lead to heart disease and other health problems. When a diagnosis calls for lowering high cholesterol levels one of the first changes that needs to be made is an increase in physical activity. Starting an exercise program can be difficult, especially when time is a factor due to a busy lifestyle. However, it is one that will provide positive results through obtaining better overall health. Optimal results will include 30 minutes of exercise a day at least 4 times per week, for better weight loss results, exercise daily. If this is a difficult change, consider consulting a physical trainer or joining a fitness club for additional support.
Being diagnosed with heart disease can certainly be a scary thing but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Studies have shown that positive lifestyle changes and medication can make a big difference with this disease. Heart disease usually is caused by narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart and in fact feed the heart. When these arteries become clogged by fat and cholesterol, the supply of blood to the heart is diminished. One main goal for anyone suffering from heart disease should be to make positive changes that will lead to obtaining a normal range of cholesterol levels. See a physician regularly and learn the symptoms to look for that could be leading to a heart attack. These symptoms include chest pains, nausea, sweating, back pain, and frequent fainting. Pain may also be felt in the arms and shoulders.