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[L673]Lower Ldl Cholesterol Levels

by Alien, Ali

The blood circulating in the body consists of blood cells and a straw coloured liquid called plasma. Plasma is made up chiefly of proteins and water, and fats (lipids) are carried with these proteins. These are described according to their density. The low density and very low density lipoproteins, which are called LDL and VLDL respectively, are considered to be harmful, whereas, high density lipoproteins, which are called HDL, are useful as they remove LDL and VLDL from the blood. The fats which are carried by these lipoproteins are cholesterol and triglycerides. There are various reasons for a high level of fat in the blood. High fat levels in the blood are quite common in those who are overweight or have familial or genetic tendencies. In such persons, reducing body weight by control and regular physical exercise is sufficient to lower the blood fat level. Certain disease conditions like diabetes, decreased function of the thyroid gland, and some metabolic disorders may also be responsible for an increased blood fat levels. In these conditions control of the underlying disease is needed.

How is Excessive Fat in the Blood Harmful?

Raised cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. An excessively high quantity of cholesterol in the blood is gets deposited on the walls of the blood vessels and make them narrow. This narrowing of the blood vessel is called atherosclerosis. The process of atherosclerosis may start at a young age but its manifestations are usually seen in older patients, by which time it has advanced considerably. Atherosclerosis may lead to a defective blood supply to various vital organs of the body. In the brain it may cause impairment of mental functions, paralysis, and unconsciousness. Another danger is the involvement of the heart. Narrowing of coronary arteries (those supplying blood to the heart muscle) may lead to a defective blood and oxygen supply to the cardiac muscle and cause disorders like angina or myocardial infarction which need treatment immediately.

Preventive Measures

Various measures can be undertaken to minimize the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Life style changes such as giving up or a drastic reduction smoking are needed. The patient should exercise regularly and should not overeat. Saturated fats, such as butter, ghee, animal fat, hydrogenated oils, coconut oil, oxidized oils (left over after frying), should be avoided and replaced by unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, like vegetable oils, corn oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil. Polyunsaturated fats reduce cholesterol by removing it from tissues. The calories from fats should be 30 per cent or less and distribution of various fats should be equal (saturated fats = monounsaturated fats = polyunsaturated fats). Fish oils are rich in a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid called Omega-3 fatty acid. There are reports of reduction of triglycerides and antiatherogenic effects of fish oils. Fresh fruits and green vegetables have high levels of antioxidants which are useful. The dictum to be followed should be 'Never a day without fruit.' Sugar intake should be reduced. Total caloric intake should be lowered so that there is a gradual decrease in weight. It has been observed that the these measures help in reducing plasma fat in most cases. However, when these measures are ineffective, drugs may be employed. It must be remembered that once a heart attack has occurred, the reduction of plasma lipids will decrease the chances of future attacks.

Blood Cholesterol: How Much Reduction is Beneficial? Conventional normal value may be too high for Indian cases because various studies have shown that we are genetically more prone to heart disease (and are likely to have more complications at young age!) and tolerate cholesterol levels poorly. Hence, lower values are recommended. Obviously aggressive reduction of blood cholesterol reduces chances of atherosclerosis.

Ezetimide (Ezetip, Lipezet 10 mg tab)

This drug prevents absorption of cholesterol from small bowel. It reduces LDL-cholesterol levels and further reduces LDL-C by 25% and triglycerides by 14%. It is well tolerated but occasional abdominal pain, diarrhoea, joint pains, headache, dizziness may be there. Its usual dose is 10 mg once a day regardless of meals. It can be combined with statins.

Nicotinic acid (Nialip 500 mg tab)

It is Vitamin B3 (Niacin or nicotinamide) derivative and reduces tryglycerides and VLDL-C (20Â50%) rapidly and followed by LDL-C (15-25%) subsequently. It is the most effective drug to raise good cholesterol (HDL-C) by 15-30%. It acts on liver and prevents formation of triglycerides. Starting dose is 100 mg thrice a day with meals and gradually increased to 2 g to 6 g per day.

Adverse Effects: It is a poorly tolerated drug. It causes dyspepsia, flushing, itching and sensation of heat (skin blood vessels widen). It also causes diarrhoea, darkening of skin, worsening of diabetes, joint pains in gout and irregular heart beats. It is never given in pregnancy. 'It increases fall in BP due to drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Other Drugs

Guggulipid (GUGLIP 25 mg tab) is a plant derivative (gum guggul) which lowers lipids modestly. It may cause loose motions.

Regular check up or screening of your cholesterol level is very important. It is recommended for men and women of 20 years or above to get the test done every five years. This kind of screening helps to keep your health in check. It also helps if the patient has a family history of diseases like diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular disease.

Tips to remember

Do your exercises regularly to keep your heart healthy. It also helps in burning out the excess fat you have been carrying around.

Avoid trans fatty acids like French fries, cookies, cakes and many other fried fast foods.

Consume fewer carbohydrates by avoiding sugar, flour, potatoes and white rice. Avoid food which contains too much cholesterol like egg yolk, liver, kidney, brain etc. Stop smoking, it increases HDL levels by seven points.

Natural Ways to Increase HDL

Red wine consumed in reasonable quantity gives a positive result. It contains antioxidants such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir that slows down oxidation of HDL and LDL cholesterol. By drinking wine HDL level does not shoot up, but it contains higher level of various types of blood fats, thus making it useful for the body.

Drinking orange juice every day increases HDL level by nearly 21%. This is possible due to the presence of flavonoids.

Kidney and red beans are another source to increase HDL level. They contain low-glycemic carbohydrates which do not require insulin spikes during digestion.

Eating fish several times a week is very useful in increasing HDL level as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fishes like sardine, salmon, sea bass, herring and many more are some of the sources of good cholesterol. If you do not like fish, you can have fish oil supplements.

Olive oil contains the highest number of mono-saturated fats. Having 1-2 teaspoons in your daily diet would help you tremendously.

Oat bran lowers LDL and increases HDL. Studies have shown that two ounces of oat bran per day helps in reducing 16% LDL and 15% increase in HDL.

Half raw onion per day increases HDL level by 30%.

Soy products increase HDL level thereby decreasing LDL.

Soluble fiber found in fruits like apples, grapes and citrus fruits are useful in increasing HDL level.

Guggul lipid a native herb used mainly for Ayurvedic medicine also helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Green tea lowers LDL levels by increasing HDL levels.

Eat more fiber and include raw garlic in your diet, these are very useful in lowering cholesterol levels.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Article Source : Pg. 13

About Author

Both Alien & Sharon Hopkins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. AdvCare is one of the Canada leading websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.

Sharon Hopkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blood Pressure, Massage and Health. For More Health Article Visit :: . Sharon Hopkins's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.