Cholesterol is a term which usually causes red flags for many people. For some, the word is normally paired with another word: high. For individuals who have problems with high cholesterol, there are different lifestyle changes and various medical treatments and prescriptions that can help. One or both of those methods can make a huge difference in the medical condition of people who have issues with their cholesterol levels. In a society where unhealthy foods abound and physical activity is not as prevalent, knowing more about cholesterol can be very beneficial.
Learning About Cholesterol
So, what exactly is cholesterol? This question has, no doubt, circulated the minds of people who have been told that they have an issue with the levels of cholesterol in their bodies. Since the foods we eat can cause high cholesterol, it can be confusing to know exactly what cholesterol is. Does it come from our food?
Cholesterol is actually produced by the body. It is waxy and is somewhat like a fat. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and substances that help with digestion. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL.
- HDL (high-density lipoproteins) are considered the “good” cholesterol and they carry cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver where the cholesterol is then removed.
- LDL (low-density lipoproteins) is considered the “bad” proteins. Too much LDL can cause cholesterol build-up in the arteries. Excessive LDL can also lead to heart disease or heart attacks.
The answer to the question about whether food comes from food is both yes and no. Actually, the foods we eat, especially the really unhealthy food items, are usually high in bad fats. These fats saturated fats can cause the LDL cholesterol level to become higher. There are also foods that have cholesterol in them, such as meat, cheese, and egg yolks.
High Cholesterol Information
A normal cholesterol level is lower than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Anything between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL is borderline. However, if levels reach above 239, it is high cholesterol.
Believe it or not, no symptoms link directly to high cholesterol. The only way to detect it is through blood testing. Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have high cholesterol because of the lack of symptoms. So, it’s important to know more about cholesterol and factors that can cause LDL to be too high. Things that contribute to high cholesterol are:
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Unhealthy foods
There are also risk factors which are not preventable. Genetics can be a factor that leads to high cholesterol; this medical issue can run in families. Also, certain races are more prone to have higher cholesterol levels than others. Age can also have a lot to do with high cholesterol issues since the risk of it gets stronger as people grow older.
More About Cholesterol: Treatment
Along with an increase in physical activity and other lifestyle changes, prescription medications can be helpful in treating high cholesterol. Crestor, Zetia, and Welchol are some examples of medications which can help with cholesterol problems.
Sometimes, prescription medications can be way too expensive for the people who need it. This can make it really hard for those individuals to get well because they may not be able to obtain the necessary medicines. If this is something you’ve been facing, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with prescription prices every year. That’s why RxHelper is available today. We specialize in helping those who don’t have insurance get the medication they need at lower prices. If you or a loved one has trouble with high cholesterol, The RxHelper may help you. You can get a free consultation on our website to find out if you qualify for prescription assistance.
