Causes and Effects of high Cholesterol Levels in Blood _ Pedro Guizardi

On the article “High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know”, the National Institutes of Health - NIH awareness people about the causes and effects of High Cholesterol levels in blood. NIH alert about the fact that High Cholesterol considerably increases the chances of having a heart attack or develop a heart disease. It has been responsible for the death of more than a million Americans each year. The Cholesterol levels become higher with the increase of fat-like substance in the blood. The substance accumulates inside of the arteries decreasing the flow of blood or blocking it. The lower quantities of oxygenated blood that flow cause many heart problems. NIH also emphasizes the necessity to keep the cholesterol number updates does not matter your age. An important exam called “lipoprotein profile” measure the cholesterol data such as total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides. It is important to know that is required 9- to 12-hour fasting to make the exam. People age 20 or more have to make this exam at least once every 5 years. The Cholesterol level is affected by things that can be avoided and heredity things, which cannot be avoided.  Some of the main causes of High Cholesterol level that can be avoided are Diet, Weight, and lack of Physical Activity.  On the other hand, there are some causes that can be controlled, but cannot be avoided. Age, gender, and heredity are examples of unavoidable causes.  The effects of High Cholesterol levels in blood can be increased in people that have already had heart disease and in people that have diabetes. These problems associated with High Cholesterol levels can lead to a heart attack, which can cause death. The High Cholesterol is measure in four categories according to the risk of it.  If you had a High Cholesterol level diagnosed, there are two different ways to treat it. The first one is Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), which consist in physical activities, weight control, and food reeducation. The second one is necessary in cases of advanced Cholesterol Levels. It consists in assimilate the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes with a drug treatment.