Cholesterol and Your Heart

Shrimp is full of cholesterol. But the real cholesterol danger lurks in the slyly packaged "cholesterol
free" cookie. You see, shrimp contains very little of the saturated fat that makes that cookie taste so good. And it's the saturated fat in food ─ not the cholesterol ─ that has the greatest effect on your cholesterol level.

No wonder people are confused.

Here's your guide to understanding what it all means, because what is clear is the link between high cholesterol in your blood and heart disease. You'll find out whether you need a cholesterol test and what "good" cholesterol is, along with quick tips for creating a heart ─ healthy diet. What you won't find is a recipe for those cookies.

 

Cholesterol, a white, waxy fat found naturally in your body, is used to build cell walls and make certain. Too much of it, through, can clog your arteries and eventually choke off the supply of blood to the heart, which is the reason high cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease. Other factors that pur you at risk include:

• High blood pressure
  
• Smoking
  
• A family history of heart disease
  
• Being male
  
• Diabetes
  
• Obesity
  

 

WHO SHOULD BE TESTED: Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program.

 

BY WHOM: preferably your doctor, who can measure LDL as well as total cholesterol. If you use an outside service:

• Check to see that the testers are doctors, nurses or medical technicians.
  
• Get a written copy of your results to show to our doctor.
  

  
   

For more information on your cholesterol testing visit this web page for this free report.

 

This information was shared by me with you from: HEALTH magazine. Address: Health, P.O. Box 36863, Boulder, Colorado 80322.