Here is what you need to know about
cholesterol:
Cholesterol isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A soft, waxy substance naturally found in your body, “good” cholesterol (or HDL) is needed to digest fat, make hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and produce vitamin D in the skin. You want your HDL to be high.
However, “bad” cholesterol (or LDL) carries cholesterol in the blood and to the cells. Over time, if you have too much “bad” cholesterol, it builds up in the vessels and clogs the flow of blood. You want your LDL to be low.
Triglycerides are formed when the calories you eat are not immediately used as energy. Your fat cells store triglycerides for later use. You need some triglycerides, but too many will lead to heart disease.
Go to the doctor. Get your cholesterol tested and find out what your numbers mean. Here is a quick run down of the results:
Your HDL should be 40 or greater.
Your LDL should be below 100.
Your Triglycerides should be below 150.
Talk to your doctor about all of your risk factors and work to keep your heart healthy!
Find more important heart health information and strategies to live longer, feel better and stress less in Eliz’s new book, The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart
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Eliz survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.
As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.
