Around 13.7 million people who currently live in the United States have coronary heart disease and nearly 4 million have had a stroke. In addition, millions more are at risk for a heart attack or stroke and don't even know it yet. Moreover, according to a highly recognized organization dealing with heart, lung and blood say that a little more than 77% of all middle aged American men are at an increased risk of dying from heart disease.

Heart Disease kills more Americans than any other illness!

Many studies have been done on high cholesterol and its relation to heart disease. Some research indicates that elevated cholesterol levels can increase your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Despite our advances in medicine heart disease still claims over 950,000 lives a year. Chances are either you or a friend; family member or even significant other has had to deal with heart disease in some capacity.

If you have bad eating habits in relation to health its not too late for an about face. Research indicates that by reducing saturated fat, exercising and eliminating smoking can drastically reduce high cholesterol levels. By reducing cholesterol levels this decreases the risk of heart disease and could help you avoid a fatal heart attack or stroke.

What Are Good Cholesterol Levels?

It's important to have healthy cholesterol levels and to know where they should hover around.

Cholesterol (mg/dl) Classification

Total less than 200 Desirable

Total 200 to 239 Borderline high risk

Total above 239 High risk

HDL less than 35 High risk

(HDL) high density lipoprotein good cholesterol.

(LDL) low density lipoprotein bad cholesterol.

What Can Be Implemented To Lower Cholesterol Levels?

Plant sterols or phytosterols occur naturally in certain plants. These substances are in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals and legumes. Phytosterols can actually block the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. The sterols lower the (LDL) by 5 to 15%, without lowering the good cholesterol known as (HDL). In addition, plant sterols/stanols do not interfere with cholesterol lowering medications. High cholesterol can be lowered and with it a decreased risk of heart disease.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practioner/ patient relationship with its readers.