Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in all the cells of the body.
It is needed to make some hormones and for cell development.
High blood cholesterol is one of the
major risk factors for the development of
heart disease and other vascular disease. NOTE: many
web sites may quote a older recommendation that LDL should be
between 130 - 160. The newer guidelines that we now use
recommend is that
LDL be less than 100. Also note that our lab frequently
reports a D-LDL which is the Direct LDL, this is the actual measured
LDL and not the older calculated LDL. LDL (D-LDL) is the bad
cholesterol. Too much LDL and triglycerides result in plaque
or fatty build-up in the arteries. If this plaque blocks the
artery all the way is results in a heart attack or stroke or other
problem depending on what artery is blocked.
Very often the doctor will suggest that you "Eat a
low fat / low cholesterol diet
and recheck cholesterol in a month or two". And you think
just what is a LOW FAT DIET? Well the hard part is that you
will have to start learning more about the food you eat. Some
of the diet links below are very good and you can learn to
read labels .
September is
National Cholesterol Education Month
.
Links to information on CHOLESTEROL and HEART DISEASE
If you want to know how your cholesterol is doing and you want a
doctor who will help you address it, call ARFP at 227-6363 to
schedule an
appointment.
Is is important to remember that the goal for the LDL is LESS
THAN 100.
NEWS about the Zetia and Vytorin.