Low Levels of HDL “good” cholesterol is the No. 5 risk factor. It is a known fact that women die more from heart disease than anything else. Nearly twice as many women with coronary artery disease reported low HDL levels as those who had significant higher LDL levels.
We tend to be more concerned with the ‘bad” cholesterol, but the ‘good” cholesterol is even more of a culprit for heart attacks and strokes. Low levels of HDL cholesterol are extreme factors of future cardiovascular diseases.
While it is true that lowering blood levels of LDL cholesterol by using statins can reduce your risk for heart attacks or strokes, but not everyone benefits from taking them. However, studies are proving by raising your HDL cholesterol, the process of shrinking plaques can be reversed.
Why are higher levels of HDL “good”?
These particles carry several protein molecules, along with cholesterol, triglycerides and other complex fat particles and potent antioxidant enzymes. One of their important roles is to reduce inflammation by blocking white blood cells and platelets, thus reducing their vulnerability to rupture. They also help prevent LDL particles from going through the subsurface of your arteries to form plaque. HDL also helps to repair damaged linings of your arteries.
How can you improve your “good” cholesterol?
- Reduce sugar, starches and margarines in your diet
- Include more seafood, olive oil and dark fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Exercise at least four to five times a week for 30 minutes
- Stop smoking
- Control diabetes and high triglyceride levels
- Limit alcohol use
- Consider taking niacin (under supervision of your physician)
- Take statins or fibrates (statins are cholesterol lowering drugs and fibrates are triglyceride lowering drugs)
Friday, February 3 is National Wear Red Day in observation of February as Heart Month. Your local Walgreens and Take Care Clinics in Houston are offering FREE blood pressure testing every day in February. No appointment is necessary.
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