home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
/
CDRT.iso
/
dp
/
0239
/
02391.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-17
|
3KB
|
55 lines
$Unique_ID{BRK02391}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{If My Cholesterol Is Low Do I Still Need a Healthier Diet?}
$Subject{cholesterol level eat diet preventive maintenance hdl ldl plaque
hardening arteries foods heart disease high blood pressure low high density
lipoprotein lipoproteins cholesterin levels diets artery food nutrition}
$Volume{D-26}
$Log{
How Cholesterol Levels Affect the Arteries*0002701.scf}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
If My Cholesterol Is Low Do I Still Need a Healthier Diet?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I have read, many times, that a level of cholesterol of 200 is
considered good. I guess I am pretty lucky in that my level is 205. I am
otherwise in good health and like to eat whatever I desire, but my wife keeps
insisting that I still maintain a healthful diet. Now is all this fuss really
necessary? If it isn't broken, why fix it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: I suppose this answer comes under the classification of "preventive
maintenance". I know you believe that the 205 is almost as good as a 200, but
the American Heart Association recommends that anyone with a level that is
over 200 consult their physician for advice. You might need to determine the
ratio of the HDL (good) cholesterol to the LDL (bad) cholesterol, for that too
is an important consideration in removing the cholesterol plaque that leads to
hardening of the arteries.
More important, your letter carries the impression that the numbers are
more important than the state of health. While you may be under control, or
nearly, keep on the road of eating anything anytime and that glowing picture
may soon change. There are foods that are virtual booby traps, loaded with
cholesterol, that can easily be avoided. It takes just a bit of educated
concern and a tad of attention; and you can maintain your present level, or
even lower it to a truly enviable level of 200 or below.
Cholesterol levels are just one of several risk factors you might wish to
consider in evaluating your present state of health. They include your own
family history, and whether or not other members of your family have suffered
from heart disease of high blood pressure. They are good indicators that you
may have to pay a bit more attention to diet, than you seem to be doing at
present.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.