4 Habits That Make Your Cholesterol Problem Worse
If you are 20 years of age or older, you should have your cholesterol tested at least once every five years. A blood test called a lipoprotein panel can measure your cholesterol levels.
The cholesterol problem is an almost invisible health threat. You may have a high level of it and not realize it until the day when the routine analysis comes and its consequences to endure. How can this happen if you do not overuse fats and cold cuts or red meat in your diet?
There are other factors that you may not be taking into account that have a decisive influence on your cholesterol level. In this article, find out what mistakes you can make without realizing it and what causes your cholesterol to rise. Read on, learn more, and improve your cholesterol problem!
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fatty substance that is found in any part of the body and in the blood. This one has a lot of useful functions which contribute to good health. It helps cells to function properly and plays a role in the production of certain hormones.
However, too high cholesterol in the blood can lead to a higher risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.
How are your cholesterol levels measured?
If you are 20 years of age or older, you should test your cholesterol at least once every five years. A blood test, called a lipoprotein panel, can measure your cholesterol levels. The review provides information on:
- Total cholesterol: the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. This includes both types: low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol.
- Bad cholesterol (LDL): the one that builds up in your arteries and clogs them.
- Good Cholesterol (HDL): Helps remove cholesterol from your arteries.
Habits that could make your cholesterol problem worse
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The stress
Stress is a very common ailment these days. Lived over the long term and in a sustained manner, it can have significant consequences in our body. However, is he also guilty of high cholesterol?
Stress can raise our blood pressure, cause insomnia, changes in habits and changes in our mental performance, like in our mood, but is it able to raise cholesterol in the human body?
In this regard, a study observed that mental and emotional stress increased cholesterol values by 11% in healthy boys compared to the control group . Also, we find a link between cholesterol and cortisol, the stress hormone, which can be key in the relationship between cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia.
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The alcohol
When it comes to cholesterol, drinking alcohol is all about balance. On the one hand, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol has been shown to improve levels of “good” cholesterol and has been linked to a reduction in heart disease.
On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol can have a negative effect on blood lipid profiles, and ultimately on heart health. As you can see, it is a question of consuming it in moderation so as not to exceed the allowable limits and not to harm our health.
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Tobacco: avoid if you have a cholesterol problem
Smoking affects the cardiovascular system in several ways, such as reducing oxygen and wearing down the heart. The mechanism by which these diseases appear or increase is as follows: nicotine could increase platelet aggregation, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Carbon monoxide also increases cholesterol in the blood, among other damage. It is for this reason that smoking diet cigarettes does not reduce the risk of disease. Indeed, the smoker tends to inhale more smoke to compensate for the dose of nicotine with which the carbon monoxide will increase, thus increasing the problems associated with tobacco.
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Oral contraceptives
Contraceptives have several side effects in a woman’s health, and one of them can be increased cholesterol. But be aware that not all contraceptives produce the same effects. Also, not all types of cholesterol are bad.
Progestin-based contraceptives have only one class of hormones and are usually presented as a minipill. This type of contraceptive has several advantages and is very effective, in addition to the fact that we can use it while breastfeeding.
But, unfortunately this has a hypercholesterolemic effect. This method, used frequently, increases bad cholesterol or LDL and reduces good cholesterol or HDL. This is why if you opt for this type of contraceptive it is essential that you do regular check-ups.
If you have a cholesterol problem, remember that …
In order for the body to function well, it is necessary that there is a balance between the two types of cholesterol, so that cardiovascular problems caused by high cholesterol levels can be avoided. Eating a balanced diet and exercising are essential for you to be able to live a healthy lifestyle and improve your cholesterol problem.
