My problem with cholesterol

I want to know how to get rid of cholesterol from my blood before it ruins my health.

Abena (by SMS)

Even though it has been linked to heart attack, stroke and other types of cardiovascular diseases, Cholesterol is not as bad as it is being portrayed. The truth is that, our bodies need cholesterol, a fatty substance which is essential for a number of body functions such as hormone production, cell function and digestion. What is “bad” about cholesterol isn’t the substance itself – in fact, we can’t live without it.

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However, certain types of cholesterol and how much of them are in the bloodstream do matter. This means that cholesterol at normal blood levels is essential for basic body functions. However, when levels are higher than normal, it can lead to blockage of arteries, causing poor blood supply, especially in areas like the heart, the head and neck, the private parts and other areas where arteries are common.

In determining your cholesterol status, the doctor will take into cognisance other parameters such as Age, Sex, Blood Pressure and Family History. If it’s confirmed that you have high cholesterol, making changes in your diet (low-fat diet), reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking can help to bring it down. Exercise can also help to boost the level of HDL (the good cholesterol) while dietary changes and medications as prescribed by a qualified Medical Practitioner can powerfully lower LDL ( the bad cholesterol).