| Without a doubt, lowering LDL cholesterol is a huge benefit in bringing total cholesterol down to a safe level. There have been numerous studies conducted where data indicated the chance of having a heart attack is actually decreased by as much as 25% for every 10% drop in cholesterol level. The top four benefits of lowering LDL include: - Decreases the chance of heart attack and/or stroke
- Reduces the formation of new cholesterol plaques
- Eliminates existing plaques
- Prevents the rupture of existing plaques
A particular study conducted in 1994 called Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study, or 4S, confirmed that lowering LDL not only reduced risk for heart attacks, but death. In this study, more than 4,000 people with confirmed heart disease were given either a cholesterol-lowering drug or a placebo. The drug of choice for this study was Statin. The results showed that for the people taking the Statin, the total cholesterol levels were reduced 25%, LDL was lowered 35%, and death occurring from heart disease was reduced by a staggering 42%. Keep your daily calorie intake of fat to less than 30%. If you consume too many calories from any kind of food, whether it is carbohydrates, proteins, or fats, your body will take that food and turn it into triglycerides that are then circulated into your bloodstream to be stored as fat. Simply put the more LDL in your blood stream, the higher risk you have of heart disease. If you currently have heart disease, lowering your level of LDL will have a great impact on your health. No matter what your overall health, if you have high LDL levels, speak with your physician to determine the best course of action in bringing your numbers down. The good news is that there are several options available for you to control the cholesterol level through traditional treatments, natural and herbal treatments and changing to a healthy lifestyle. The important factor is to understand your risk factors by identifying your cholesterol levels and how it may affect your overall health and possible risk of a heart attack. It is extremely important to work with your doctor in creating a regimen that encompasses traditional of natural treatments. Research has shown that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels, there is a 2% reduction in the rate of heart disease. This should be a strong incentive in controlling your cholesterol levels. From hundreds of studies and research, we know that following are major approaches available to lower LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL to reduce the risk of heart disease. - Cholesterol Lowering Drugs: Approved drugs such as statins have been successful in lowering cholesterol level by inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol by the liver. However, these prescription drugs are expensive and there are many side effects. Details of these traditional treatments are outlined in it section.
- Natural and Herbal Supplements: Numerous studies have shown that natural and herbal supplements such as Guggul, Policosanol, Pantethine, Curcumin, Fish-Oil, Niacin, Garlic, and Beta Carotene are effective in controlling the high cholesterol and thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Cholesterol Lowering Foods: Latest research suggest that cholesterol lowering foods such as avocados, almonds, olive oil, soy beans, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, chili peppers, oat bran, beans (kidney, pintos, black, navy, etc.), onions, fatty fish, and flax seed play a crucial role in lowering LDL and sometimes raising HDL levels.
- Low Cholesterol Diet: Evidence suggests that a healthy diet is the best defense against heart disease. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has even introduced a dietary program as a "prescription" for reducing heart disease risk.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Numerous studies show that lifestyle changes such as exercise, smoking cessation, weight loss and following a healthy diet can reduce cholesterol levels and thus the risk of heart disease.
Click on the above links to read more about these approaches in controlling the cholesterol level.
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