Americans have something of a love/hate relationship with cholesterol. Once intensely vilified, only now are we beginning to welcome cholesterol back into our homes, diets and fridges. Cholesterol was once instantly associated with heart disease but now we know that we need a certain amount of cholesterol to process dietary fats, make hormones and build cell walls. Truth is, cholesterol has two faces, and like most split personalities one is good for us, and the other is intensely evil.



While there is good cholesterol, or HDL (high density lipoprotein), that actually helps the body, our main concern is LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and the negative affects this has on our body. Excess LDL cholesterol will cause plaque build up in the arterial wall. This causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in a condition called atherosclerosis. With time, large blocks of cholesterol will completely block an artery, preventing the blood from flowing through. When this blocks the blood form travelling to the heart, a heart attack can occur, with passage to the brain impeded, a stroke can occur. There are no real symptoms of high cholesterol, only end result effects, such as coronary disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart attacks or stroke. These symptoms are often precluded by nausea, numbness, dizziness and fatigue.



The best way to prevent high cholesterol is to pay attention to your diet and body. By avoiding animal (saturated) fats in your diet, using low fat cooking sprays and products, and keeping alcohol and tobacco consumption to a minimum it is possible to keep your cholesterol levels under control. Know your body as well, and have your blood tested a few times a year. Try to engage in some aerobic exercise 20 minutes a day. It is also recommended to avoid trans and saturated fats, alcohol and tobacco. Those at the highest risk are people who have already had a heart attack, have high blood pressure or diabetes, are inactive or overweight and smoke cigarettes. Men over 35 and women over 45 should have their cholesterol levels checked periodically.



Statin Drugs (such as Pravachol, Zocor, and Lipitor) have proven to be successful in lowering cholesterol levels, but consult your doctor about prescriptions and possible side-effects as there have been risks reported. Bile acid sequestrates (Colestid and Questran) have been shown to be effective due to their ability to soften fatty material for better absorption. Niacin is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, and increasing HDL cholesterol while Fibric acid works well to reduce triglyceride production.

Discuss the best options available to you with your doctor and remember Canada Pharmacy is here with all of your cholesterol needs online at guaranteed lowest prices.*