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Usual cure
The best way to keep cholesterol levels low is to watch what you
eat. Reducing dietary risk factors by maintaining ideal body weight,
eating a well balanced, low fat diet, and limiting cholesterol
intake will help prevent the onset of high cholesterol related
problems.
The recommended level for total cholesterol is either
less than 200 or less than 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl)
and it is considered "desirable" because that level
carries the least risk of heart disease. Consult your health care
provider to measure and discuss your cholesterol profile.
It is also important to know the 2 types of cholesterol:
the levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) also known as the
"good cholesterol" and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
or "bad cholesterol". A level above 200 mg/dl is open
to risk for coronary heart disease increases. However, it is more
important is the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL as a preventive
factor for cardiovascular and other related health problems.
Consume less than 30% of the total daily calories
from fat. Of that 30%, less than one-third should be from *saturated
fat (animal fat) and not more than one-third should be from *polyunsaturated
fat. At least one-third of the total fat calories should be from
*monounsaturated fat. Less than 300 milligrams (mg) of dietary
cholesterol per day should be consumed.
*Saturated fats: These
are the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels ("bad cholesterol").
When looking at a food label, pay very close attention to the
% of saturated fat and avoid or limit any foods that are high
(for example, over 20% saturated fat). Saturated fats are found
in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk, ice cream,
cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable
oils -- coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. (Note: most other
vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat and are healthy.)
Unsaturated fats:
Fats that help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of
saturated fats. However, unsaturated fats have a lot of calories,
so you still need to limit them. There are two types: mono-unsaturated
and polyunsaturated. Most (but not all!) liquid vegetable oils
are unsaturated. (The exceptions include coconut, palm, and palm
kernel oils.)
*Mono-unsaturated fats: Fats that
help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of saturated
fats. However, mono-unsaturated fats have a lot of calories, so
you still need to limit them. Examples include olive and canola
oils.
*Polyunsaturated fats:
Fats that help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of
saturated fats. However, polyunsaturated fats have a lot of calories,
so you still need to limit them. Examples include safflower, sunflower,
corn, and soybean oils.
Keeping a low-fat diet provides 190 mg of dietary
cholesterol. Recommendations for children's diets are similar
to those of adults. It is imperative that children's caloric intake
be adequate to support growth and activity level and that the
child achieve and maintain a desirable body weight. Children should
have a diet that is closer to 30% of calories from fat. Lower-fat
diets may be appropriate in some cases but require careful follow-up
from a physician and dietitian.
If you have high cholesterol, the goal of therapy
is to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
through therapy aimed at lowering the blood lipid levels. Dietary
modification is the initial step in treatment for most patients
with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.
For overweight individuals, weight reduction to
ideal body weight is recommended. Reduction of total calories,
cholesterol, and saturated fat is appropriate for most people.
The degree of dietary restriction is proportional to the degree
of the hyperlipidemia.
Drug therapy is generally initiated if there is
no improvement within 2 months after maximal dietary modification,
or if the initial cholesterol level is severely elevated. The
type of drug chosen depends upon the type of lipoprotein elevated
in the serum. Several types of medications are available. Bile
sequestrant resins, cholestyramine, colestipol, and nicotinic
acid are drugs that may be prescribed for mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.
The class of drugs prescribed for the most common
cause of hyperlipidemia is the HMG-coA reductase inhibitors. These
drugs, also known as the statins, are prescribed for patients
with elevated LDL levels. Most patients with a history of heart
attack or high risk for heart attack who have high cholesterol,
should be prescribed one of these medications. The statins have
been shown in studies to reduce death from heart attacks in patients
with a history of coronary artery disease.
Don't stop taking prescription medication without
consulting your doctor. Drug and diet therapy usually need to
continue throughout the life of the affected individual. Periodic
monitoring of blood levels is necessary to determine the response
to treatment. Reduction of high cholesterol levels has shown a
decrease in the progression of atherosclerosis.
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