According to the American Heart Association, estrogen, the female sex hormone, has the tendency to raise high-density lipoprotein (hdl) or good cholesterol. Naturally then, women have higher hdl than men. Isn't this wonderful news to all the women out there?
Studies show that the production of estrogen is highest during the childbearing years. This means that a woman's hdl level during this period of time is at its peak.. That is why women are less likely to develop heart disease before they reach menopausal age.
However, that does not mean that women should be complacent and not watch their health and diet before their menopause. After all, according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death for women in the US.
The American Heart Association mentioned that postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT) may benefit some women with osteoporosis. However, trials have shown that it does not reduce nor eliminate the possibility of stroke and heart problems. Also, women with a personal or family history of breast cancer are advised not to go for PHT.
It is suggested that women go for their first cholesterol screening at the age of 20. A test may also be done at a younger age for those who start taking birth control pills before turning 20. If the test shows that they have high cholesterol levels, they should go for a test every year until their cholesterol levels become normal. After that, women are generally recommended to have their tests taken at intervals of five years.
Cholesterol levels of women are measured the same way as that for men. A lipid profile is taken. This is a series of simple blood tests that show the distribution, types, and amount of various lipids (fats) found in the bloodstream. These lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides.
Lipoproteins are the ones that carry cholesterol in the blood. The two kinds of lipoproteins are the high-density lipoproteins (hdl) or good cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (ldl or bad cholesterol).
Hdl is considered good because it eliminates excess cholesterol from the blood as well as from the arterial walls. Excess cholesterol causes plaque build-up in the arteries which may eventually lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Ldl is considered bad because it sticks to the arterial walls and contributes to the plaque.
The American Heart Association recommends ldl cholesterol lowering drug for most women with heart disease. Other than that she must get adequate exercise, eat balanced and wholesome meals and not smoke.
However cholesterol supplements are much better than prescription drugs because they have less side effects compared to statin.
Moreover there is a wide range of cholesterol supplements. There is even a natural lowering cholesterol product called Bios Life that combines all four of the known approaches to lowering harmful cholesterol as follows:
1. Blocks cholesterol from being re-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract
2. Prevents cholesterol which comes from the food from being absorbed
3. Reduces the cholesterol produced by the liver
4. Enhances enzymatic breakdown and removal of bad cholesterol.
Do you know anyone who might like to know about a product like that?
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