Cholesterol Manhattan Ny
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can create a problem.
Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry, and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.
Cholesterol circulates in the blood. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood increases, so does the risk to your health. High cholesterol contributes to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested, so you can know your levels.
The two types of cholesterol are LDL cholesterol, which is bad, and HDL, which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain.
People with high cholesterol in their blood are at a much greater risk of getting heart disease. Because high cholesterol does not often cause symptoms on its own, many people are unaware their cholesterol level is too high.
The buildup of cholesterol is called plaque. Over time, plaque buildup can cause hardening of the arteries, a dangerous condition known as atherosclerosis. This harmful plaque can burst (rupture), releasing cholesterol and fat into the bloodstream, and may cause your blood to clot. A clot can block the flow of blood, which puts you at high risk for angina or a heart attack.
Working with your doctor to reduce your blood cholesterol level is the key to preventing serious heart problems and may slow down, reduce or even stop plaque from accumulating. Lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol include eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; exercising; quitting smoking; drinking alcohol in moderation; and controlling diabetes and high blood pressure.
For more information on Cholesterol in the Manhattan, New York area call The NY Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease at (212) 717-0666 today!