Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is essential for the body, and if you have too much of it in the blood, then you are at risk for heart diseases and stroke. These diseases are two leading causes of death in the United States. Fortunately, they can be prevented when high cholesterol levels are detected and treated at an early stage.

The two types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. HDL is good for your health because its high levels indicate low risks of heart diseases. On the other hand, LDL, which means high cholesterol, is considered “bad” because it collects in your blood vessels’ walls, causing blockages. CholesLo is a unique supplement developed by doctors to keep patients’ cholesterol levels in check without using drugs. You can get more information about the supplement and the places to purchase it from on the Birth Order Plus website.

What Role Does Screening Play?

Screening detects high levels of cholesterol because the condition has no symptoms. Thus, a majority of people do not know their state of health. Fortunately, a simple blood test by a specialist can determine your cholesterol level. Adults aged 20 years and above should have their cholesterol levels checked after every 5 years as recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). If one of the following statements refers to you, it is important that you be checked regularly.

• Your cholesterol level is 200mg/dl or more.
• You are a man aged 45 years and above or a woman aged 50 years and above.
• Your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level is less than 40mg/dl.
• You have some other risk factors like heart disease and stroke.

Between 2005 and 2009, the number of people screened for cholesterol increased from 73 percent to 76 percent as compared to the previous 5 years. Regardless of this dramatic change, only a few states in the United States have met the 82 percent Healthy People 2020 objective.

How can you prevent or treat high cholesterol? You can prevent or treat high cholesterol by making healthy lifestyle changes such as:

Eating a Healthy Diet

Avoid saturated trans fats because they tend to increase your cholesterol levels. Other types of fats, like polyunsaturated fats, and eating fiber can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Exercising Regularly – Physical activities can help in lowering cholesterol levels. Adults should engage in moderate exercises for two and a half hours as recommended by the Surgeon General.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Consider losing weight if you are obese because being overweight can increase your cholesterol levels.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and raises the bad cholesterol (LDL). Thus, if you are a smoker, quit the habit as sooner as possible.

Conclusively, it is good to know your cholesterol levels from time to time. Most specialists recommend that you get the screening every five to six years because the condition can be life-threatening. Essentially, if you have a prescription to control your cholesterol levels, stay on the medication and follow the doctor’s instructions.