Cholesterol checks need not only be done by parents, but also young people. Lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns that cause health problems due to high cholesterol can threaten anyone without age.
Cholesterol test or also called lipid profile examination is a medical examination in the form of a blood test to measure the total amount of fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. Cholesterol check is useful for determining whether a person has high cholesterol or not.
Keep in mind, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Well, this cholesterol test is useful for detecting these risks. Because high cholesterol generally does not cause signs or symptoms, you need to check cholesterol levels regularly.
According to 2014 Ministry of Health data, coronary heart disease is the highest cause of death after stroke, which is 12.9%. Patients with heart disease and stroke are found in the age group 45-74 years. However, this disease can also occur in people aged 15-24 years.
Cholesterol Check Procedure
Cholesterol checks should be done regularly, which is 5 years from the age of 20 years. Nevertheless, there are several groups of people who are advised to do cholesterol checks more often, including:- Men aged 55 years and over and women aged 65 years and over.
- Having a family with a history of heart disease.
- Overweight or obese.
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Smoking, not actively exercising, or often consuming unhealthy foods, such as fatty or fried foods.
The Meaning of Cholesterol Checking Results
A complete cholesterol test includes measurements of 4 types of fat in the blood, namely HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and total cholesterol (total overall of the type of cholesterol). The ideal cholesterol test results are as follows:- LDL: less than 130 mg / dL (the lower the amount, the better).
- HDL: more than 60 mg / dL (the higher the amount, the better).
- Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg / dL (the lower the amount, the better).
- Triglycerides: less than 150 mg / dL (the lower the amount, the better).
Healthy Tips to Control Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol caused by age and heredity is difficult to control. But if it is caused by other factors, high cholesterol can be overcome by applying a healthy lifestyle and medication from a doctor. Here are some healthy tips for keeping your cholesterol levels stable:Consumption of balanced nutritious food
To reduce cholesterol, consume various kinds of vegetables, fruits, foods containing wheat or grains, low-fat dairy products, and protein-source foods. Avoid foods that contain a lot of cholesterol, such as meat, liver, egg yolks, shrimp, and processed milk products. Also limit the use of salt in everyday cooking.Implement a healthy lifestyle
Try to actively exercise every day or at least for 150 minutes per week. Stop smoking and limit consumption of alcoholic beverages. You need to know, consuming too many alcoholic drinks can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels.Consumption of cholesterol-lowering foods and drinks
A number of cholesterol-lowering foods that are recommended for consumption are whole grains, oatmeal, apples, pears, bananas, and oranges. Vegetables, like eggplants and okra; and beans, such as beans, kidney beans, and lentils; also good for consumption. In addition, you can also take cholesterol-lowering supplements that are low in fat and contain beta glucan and inulin, as follows:- Beta glucan is a type of fiber that is useful for reducing cholesterol levels. This substance is found in whole wheat, oatmeal, and seaweed.
- Inulin is a type of water soluble fiber that is useful in reducing triglyceride levels in the blood.
Komentar
Posting Komentar