Cholesterol Blood Test Questions Answered
April 6th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Answering:
When should I undergo a cholesterol blood test?
What would the results say about my health?
How many tests are there and which will give me the best results?
Unlike any other health tests, a cholesterol blood test does not diagnose a patient with a specific disease. Instead, the results refer more to the risks of developing a disease, namely, heart disease. A test is considered necessary in preventive health care because a high cholesterol results in accumulations of on the walls of the arteries which suppresses the blood flow and can later bring about heart attacks or strokes.
A cholesterol blood test is advised for all individuals who are over 20 years old. It is also recommended that they go through this test once every five years from thereon. However, for patients who have been given medications and strict diet, these tests are being done several times in one year.
Cholesterol tests look at the levels of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. These tests are also known as the lipoprotein profile. However, experts suggest that when you have a cholesterol test you should always include the direct measured LDL. Other tests may not be as precise as this method, although this test is often more expensive. Bear in mind, when considering the results that stress or acute illness can affect the numbers you receive. This is because the blood cholesterol level is temporarily low at these instances. A Cholesterol test should be done at least 6 weeks after any stressful time or illness or when a person is healthy, to obtain the most reliable result.
Some people believe that eating prior to getting a cholesterol blood test will have an impact on the triglyceride level which is a component of the total blood cholesterol number. An increase in the triglyceride level increases the total blood cholesterol number, thus your results will tell you that you have a higher risk of developing a heart disease. However, most experts say it is not necessary to fast just before a test. They say that a single meal does not influence the cholesterol level although long term eating habits do.
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Foods That Lower Cholesterol
April 3rd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Do you need to lower your cholesterol level? Do you feel that you may not be eating the best foods? This article will help you make better nutritional choices.
Experts agree that the most effective cholesterol lowering foods are those that have fiber, soy, fish oil or garlic. So here are some food suggestions that you can add to your diet for a better cholesterol level.
Soy Products
The isoflavones and soy protein content of soy products are responsible for their being considered foods that lower cholesterol. A daily intake of one to two ounces, or at least 25 grams, of soy will help you reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) level by about 8%. Those with high cholesterol levels, around 260-300, who practice this habit were found to have reduced their level by 15-25%. Soy products include the following: soybeans, soymilk, soy flour and tofu. Some prefer the soy beverages and energy bars that are said to contain 10 to 20 grams of soy protein.
Rich Sources of Fiber
Foods, rich in fiber help lower cholesterol because, fiber, when inside the body is not entirely digested. Most fruits like strawberries, oranges, apples, melons and grapefruit are rich in fiber. Vegetables like squash, carrots, cabbage, beets, spinach or greens, broccoli and peas are just some of the rich sources of fiber. Oats and barley contain a soluble fiber call Beta Glucan which can also help lower cholesterol levels. Whole grain foods are are healthy because over-processed ones are stripped of their fiber content.
Fish
The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish decrease the chances of blood clots. which can lead to heart attacks or strokes whilst help you achieve a good cholesterol level.
Garlic
Studies have confirmed garlic as being one of the foods that lower cholesterol. Odorless coated garlic tablets will give you the best effect. The small intestine should be able to absorb the garlic. The coating enables it to pass through digestion to the small intestine. Adding garlic to your food may not be as efficient. The sulfur compound in the garlic which makes it so helpful will be broken down in digestion.
Foods that lower cholesterol should be just a part of a whole regimen to achive and maintain healthy good cholesterol levels. Physical activities along with other lifestyle changes such as losing weight and giving up smoking will also help.
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