Health experts say the four major risk factors for coronary heart disease are: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and inactivity. Two of those factors may be partially hereditary and may be uncovered during a physical by the inflatable arm cuff test or a urinalysis. However, the other two factors are lifestyle choices that could really make or break your cardiovascular health.
Most people with coronary heart disease don't realize they have it until it's too late, even though basic medical tests can reveal telltale signs like elevated triglycerides and high cholesterol levels. Some people may experience "angina pectoris," which is the medical term for discomfort, heaviness, aching, burning, numbness or pain in the chest, left shoulder, arms, back or jaw. Often this pain will feel similar to indigestion but won't occur around meal times. Depending on what kind of angina you're suffering from, the pain may come after exertion (stable angina), when sleeping and while out in the cold (prinzmetal's angina) or sometimes even just suddenly while resting (unstable angina). Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and sweating often accompany the angina symptoms.
To test for signs of coronary heart disease, your doctor will do the usual inflatable arm cuff blood pressure test, a urinalysis and in some cases may perform a stress test where you walk on a treadmill or take an electrocardiogram photo of your heart to check for abnormalities. Once you've been assessed, the first line of defense for most patients will be making several lifestyle and diet modifications to reduce the risk factors. You'll be asked to check back in within a few months.
Of all the risk factors for coronary heart disease, perhaps the least talked-about is stress. Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is significantly increased by exposure to anger and frustration that causes your heart to beat faster and adds unnecessary strain to your system. If there are certain stress factors in your life, be it a person or a job, then say goodbye. Ask yourself, "Is this really worth 10 years off my life?" Set aside "me time" for the spa to get a massage, a facial or some other soothing service. Yoga classes and meditation have proven to be powerful stress relievers. Weekly trips to church can help put your life into perspective and offer some quiet reflection time. You may have also heard about essential oils, feng shui and soothing music that are designed to heal the stressed-out heart. By slowing down and incorporating more relaxation into your life, your heart health will improve tenfold.
As we become older there are critical numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to worry about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now suddenly they have significant importance. However these are some of the thing that should not have been neglected. A lifetime of mistreatment on the body returns merely unfavorable things when left unrestrained.
Your cholesterol level is without question essential if you want to remain healthy and your body functioning the right way. High levels can lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to contend with. Being concerned in regards to your cholesterol level is not just for the aging. It is something both young and old have to worry as well as be conscious of if they want to conduct a healthy life. In this article we will cover the fundamental principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will understand just how crucial a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.
What is good cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is called HDL which is high-density lipoproteins. Doctor's believe that the high levels of HDL can actually protect your heart whereas low levels of HDL can increase your risk of heart disease. It is thought that HDL can carry cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver where it is passed from the body.
What happens when cholesterol gets too high?
Well when LDL gets too high then the cholesterol begins to accumulate on the artery walls and then hardens into plaque. The build up continues until the entire artery is blocked off. This added blockage makes it hard for blood to get to the heart where it can be pumped to the rest of the body. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
When HDL levels are high this is a good thing because researchers believe that HDL helps rid the body of cholesterol build-up. That is why a diet rich in foods that promote HDL is always heavily recommended.
In what way is the blockage from the arteries withdrawn?
The initial stage is through medicines but if there is a serious constrictive or obstruction in the artery or blood vessel then a somewhat more invasive operation is necessary. The actual procedures may vary but one frequent method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and navigated to the blockage where the build up of plaque has happened. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the routine is minimally intrusive and most patients are capable of going home that day.
What is the normal range for a healthy cholesterol level?
The American Heart Association has guidelines established for what is considered a healthy range of cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL is considered to be a desirable level since it puts you at a lower risk of having heart disease. Here is the trick though. It is not just about total cholesterol. Your HDL levels should be over 60 mg/dL and your LDL should be lower than 100 mg/dL. Mg/dL means it is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.
For much more informational value go here: Hdl Or Good Cholesterol similarly Healthy Cholesterol Levels and at Lipitor Cholesterol Medication
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