In the Gulf, more than half the population is already overweight and at high risk of developing diabetes-related cardiovascular disease. Because residents across the Gulf are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease it is important for them to protect themselves by keeping cholesterol at a safe level. High cholesterol can contribute to heart disease and strokes.
Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per liter of blood, often shortened to mmol/L. The British government recommends that cholesterol levels should be less than 5mmol/L.
However in Britain, two out of three adults have a total cholesterol level of 5mmol/L or above. On average, men in England have a cholesterol level of 5.5mmol/L and women have a level of 5.6mmol/L.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid. It is mostly made by the liver from the fatty foods we eat and some cholesterol is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol is found in the blood where it is carried to all parts of the body. People who have too much cholesterol in their blood are vulnerable to heart disease, and stroke.
The symptoms of high cholesterol develop silently until they are revealed in a blood test or a heart attack occurs.
There are many factors that can increase your chance of having heart problems or stroke if you have high cholesterol, These are called risk factors.
Some of the risk factors:
If you have high cholesterol and a high risk of stroke or heart problems your doctor may recommend treatment with statins. Your Doctor is the best person to talk to about your cholesterol and will give you the best advice based on your medical history. It is not just about taking medicine. You need to make changes to your eating and exercise habits too to improve your health. Send for a free copy of my mini-morning workout to: [email protected].
Cholesterol is something we all have in our bodies and we all need some to stay healthy. The liver produces cholesterol and it is used to make hormones, synthesise vitamins and aid in the structure of cell membranes.
If food is being fried, make sure that the oil is at boiling point. Better still, don’t fry! Eat baked potatoes instead of French fries. Live life free from fries. Try to grill or steam food rather than frying food. Never pour oil onto food from the bottle — use a teaspoon.
Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood (hyperlipidemia) can have a serious effect on your health as it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Is it important to eat bananas for potassium as my daughter refuses to eat them and she is overweight?
Bananas are a good source of potassium but there are many other sources such as apricots, carrots, cod, parsley, peas, salmon, spinach and whole grains. Potassium deficiencies often occur in people who are overweight, who drink a lot of coffee and use laxatives. Potassium is important as it regulates the heart and the water balance in the body.
