Old Dominion News

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital issued the following announcement on Sept. 12

September is traditionally acknowledged as Cholesterol Education Month, promoted by the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killer of both men and women in this country; it is good to pause and think about one of the most manageable cardiovascular disease risk factors- having elevated blood cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced daily by the liver; it is needed for cell membranes and hormone production. But too much cholesterol can cause cardiovascular problems.

Two types of cholesterol produced by the liver are connected to cardiovascular disease:

• LDL or "bad" cholesterol can build up, narrowing the blood flow in the arteries that lead to the brain and heart.
• HDL or "good" cholesterol removes the harmful LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver to be broken down and eliminated.

The second place where we get cholesterol is from our diet. It is found in:

• ALL animal foods including red meat, poultry, fish, full-fat dairy products and eggs.
• Saturated fats cause the liver to produce more cholesterol. Saturated fats are found in tropical oils such as palm and coconut oils, palm kernel oil, poultry skin, fatty red meats and dairy fats including high fat cheeses and butter.

If your doctor informs you that your cholesterol is high, he/she may give you the chance to make lifestyle changes first, before considering medications. So there are several strategies.

• Daily or regular exercise like a walk can reduce cholesterol production in the liver, and boost the good HDL cholesterol.
• Dietary adjustments can make a big difference.
  • Shop differently to bring home foods lower in saturated fats such as more fish, nuts, skinless chicken breast, egg whites, reduced-fat dairy products, and healthy oils like olive and grapeseed.
  • Load up on naturally high fiber foods because they will bind cholesterol in the intestinal tract, pulling it out of the body: grains like oats and barley, fruits such as apples and oranges, beans and peas, as well as all vegetables. Center meals around these wholesome foods to naturally reduce cholesterol.

The American Heart Association reminds us of the three Cs for reducing our risk for developing cardiovascular disease:

1. Check: know the lab values of your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.
2. Change your diet and lifestyle to keep cholesterol levels in a normal range.
3. Control cholesterol with the help of your health care provider with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications if necessary.

Additional information on reducing your risk for developing cardiovascular disease can be found at the American Heart Association website: www.heart.org.

Original source can be found here.