High Cholesterol and Men

High Cholesterol and Men; What are the Health Risks? Knowing the facts about cholesterol can greatly reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.  As one of the number one killers in the United States, simple preventative measure can be taken to ensure your health and well-being!

Cholesterol is a wax-like, fat that your body needs to function.  Cholesterol is naturally present in the body, and is needed to produce many different types of hormones. It is one of the building blocks of cells.

Why is cholesterol so important?

Cholesterol is important due to its direct correlation to heart disease. Having high blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.

What are the health risks of high cholesterol?

·        Sign of other health problems.

·        Risk factor of heart disease.

What can I do the avoid heart disease?

·        Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.

·        Watch alcohol intake.

·        Maintain a healthy diet.

·        Participate in physical exercise.

·        Pay attention to overall health issues.

What can I do to keep cholesterol under control?

·        Get cholesterol screenings

·        Eat good foods (low in cholesterol and saturated fat)

·        Keep a healthy weight

·        Listen to your healthcare provider’s advice

How does cholesterol differ for men and women?

The cycle of cholesterol is very different for men and women.  Young men’s cholesterol levels have a tendency to stay the same before and after puberty, where a woman’s changes with hormonal influxes. Men also show no mid life changes in cholesterol either.

What affects my cholesterol levels?

There are several things that can affect your levels.

·        Diet. You are what you eat!  Having high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol in your food will give you higher cholesterol levels. Reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturate fat will lower your blood cholesterol level.

·        Weight.  Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health, but also has an effect on increasing your cholesterol.

·        Physical activity.  Being physically active can lower “bad” cholesterol and raise “good” cholesterol levels.

·        Age and Gender.  As you get older, your cholesterol level will generally rise.

·        Heredity. Genetic makeup plays a part in your cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol can be heredity, and passed on through your family.

What are risk factors that could affect my LDL goal?

·        Smoking.

·        High blood pressure.

·        Low HDL cholesterol.

·        Family history of heart disease.

·        Age. (Men 45 and over, women 55 and over.)

What are the causes of high cholesterol?

·        Heredity.

·        Weight.

·        Lack of physical activity.

·        Age and sex.

·        Alcohol use.

·        Mental stress.