Control cholesterol for heart health
Posted by: smilie on 02/21/2005 - 05:54 PM
Almost 150,000 of all people killed by cardiovascular disease annually are younger than age 65.
At least 12,600,000 people alive today have a history of heart attack, angina pectoris (chest pain) or both. More than half of these are female.
Cardiovascular disease is caused by arteriosclerosis â the thickening or hardening of the coronary arteries. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Many risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke can be changed and controlled by making healthier lifestyle choices. One factor that can be controlled or changed all together is the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all the body's cells. It is normal to have cholesterol. It is an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes and some hormones and serves other needed bodily functions.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all the body's cells. It is normal to have cholesterol. It is an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes and some hormones and serves other needed bodily functions.
Cholesterol enters the blood stream in two ways. The body makes some of it, and the rest comes from cholesterol in animal products that are eaten, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk.