Understanding Cholesterol Numbers – An Absolute Guide For Seniors
One of the most common health worries in the Canada is high cholesterol. It is specifically worrying to seniors. The fact is that, as one ages, the risk of building up high cholesterol enhances. Here is a quick guide bespoke exclusively for seniors to help gain a better understanding of the cholesterol health.
What is Cholesterol?
It is a waxy, fat-like stuff found in the bloodstream. It is an insoluble matter that is generated mostly by the liver, but it is even turned out by other cells in the human body. In spite of its bad status, cholesterol is, in fact, very important for a lot of the metabolic processes that go on in the body. A human body calls for cholesterol for an assortment of reasons such as:
Making new cells – Cholesterol is required for the purpose of building the structure of the cell membrane. It consists of the coating for neurons that are the cells in the nervous system.
Turning out vital hormones – More than a few stress hormones, testosterones, and estrogen are a small number of the necessary hormones cholesterol helps to create. Such hormones are as significant to seniors as they are to every other age group.
Generating vitamin D – Vitamin D is very important for the health of seniors for the reason that it facilitates to prevent osteoporosis, which is a common condition related to age.
Understanding the score of cholesterol
The total cholesterol score is composed of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides.
High cholesterol refers to a high amount of LDL in the blood. The issue begins when LDL merges with fats amongst other materials with the aim of forming a buildup of plaque in the walls of the blood vessels in the body.
Such issues turn out to be life threatening when the veins happen to be clogged with plaque. The flow of blood is decreased by the contraction of the veins, and this decrease can further lead to a blood clot. Blood clots take place when the buildup of plaque breaks loose or ruptures. This can result in a heart attack – when the flow to the heart is blocked by the blood clot – or a stroke – when the flow to the brain is blocked.Understanding Cholesterol Numbers – An Absolute Guide For Seniors
Risk factors
Gender – As compared to men, women are more prone to have high cholesterol.
Age – With the increasing age, the likeliness of developing high cholesterol also boosts.
Diet – A diet high in Trans and saturated fats could greatly add to the risk of high cholesterol.
Tips to lower LDL
Exercise more
Eat a diet healthy for the heart
Quit smoking
Limit the consumption amount of saturated fat
Plan to maintain a healthy BMI
Expectantly, this quick guide has provided you with a better understanding of the cholesterol health. Make sure you pass it on to others who may possibly be having a difficulty to understand their cholesterol numbers.