With a higher rate of obesity today, the number of adults and children with cholesterol issues is also on the rise. It is estimated that 105 million American adults have high cholesterol. As the numbers increase, it is more and more important to understand what cholesterol is and how it affects your health. Even those at risk for high cholesterol can take steps to manage their cholesterol effectively.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can build up in your veins and arteries due to genetics or unhealthy lifestyle habits. There are two kinds of cholesterol: high-density (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, whereas LDL is considered “bad.” The body produces some of this cholesterol naturally, whereas some cholesterol is a consequence of a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats. When cholesterol builds up, it can restrict blood flow to the heart and brain or cause a blood clot. Managing cholesterol is key to maintaining good overall health.
Who’s at risk?
Dr. John Awah of MetroSouth Health Center at Avalon Park believes that managing cholesterol is something a primary care physician can help you with. First of all, it is important to completely understand what puts you at risk for high cholesterol. High cholesterol can be partially a result of genetics; if your parents have high cholesterol, you may inherit it. Some other things that raise the incidence of high cholesterol are obesity, smoking and age. People over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for this condition. High cholesterol may also be a result of liver disease, diabetes and kidney disease, since these conditions also affect blood cholesterol levels.
How can it be managed?
After evaluating your cholesterol level with a simple blood test, Dr. Awah may make a variety of suggestions on how to manage it. Diet has a huge effect on cholesterol level. In order to lower your cholesterol, eat foods low in saturated and total fats like plants and cereals. Avoid foods prepared using butter or cooked in tropical oils such as coconut and palm. Fatty animal meats also contain high levels of cholesterol, which do nothing but add more fats to your bloodstream. Lean poultry and fish are recommended instead of red meats. Eating reasonable portions is also encouraged.
Another way to manage cholesterol is through drug therapy. There are many different kinds of cholesterol medication. Some kinds attempt to lower cholesterol, whereas others attempt to raise HDL levels. The kind of medication recommended will depend on your individual condition, and should be thoroughly discussed with a physician.
It’s important to take charge of your own health, especially when it comes to managing cholesterol. If you have any questions about your cholesterol or are interested in making an appointment to speak with a primary care physician, contact Dr. John Awah, MetroSouth Health Center at Avalon Park at (773) 721-7772.
Schedule a physical with Dr. Awah before December 31, 2011 and receive a free AMC movie ticket or re-usable lunch bag.
