Blood Cholesterol and Heart Disease What is Cholesterol? LDL "Bad" VS HDL "Good" Cholesterol: What s the Difference?

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1 Blood Cholesterol and Heart Disease In the United States, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. In fact, heart related ailments cause more deaths than do cancer, AIDS, and traffic accidents.the unfortunate statistics are; approximately 500,000 people die each year from heart attacks caused by coronary heart disease. In total, approximately 1.25 million heart attacks occur each year in the United States. Cholesterol does not discriminate. Regardless of whether you are young or old, active or thin, anyone can have high cholesterol levels. It is estimated that at least 1 in 5 people (20% of the population) already have this affliction. Having high cholesterol may have as much to do with your genetic makeup as it does your diet, level of exercise, or physical abilities. What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a naturally occurring, fat-like, waxy substance that s transported through the blood to every cell in the human body. Assisting our bodies with the production of cell membranes, cell walls, hormones, and vitamin D, cholesterol is vital to a healthy body. Cholesterol comes from two sources: the human body and the animal foods we eat such as dairy, beef, and poultry products. It s true that some cholesterol in your blood is essential for maintaining optimal health, but too much cholesterol in your body can become dangerous. If high cholesterol levels are gone unchecked over a period of time, a plaque build-up can develop along the arterial walls reducing blood flow to the heart.this in turn puts individuals at risk of heart attacks. The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart, supplying it with its essential and constant supply of oxygen and nutrients.when the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged, they are unable to perform this critical function resulting in coronary heart disease. If not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart, the heart may respond - manifesting itself as pain to the individual.this pain is referred to as angina and is usually felt in the chest. Sometimes it is felt in the left arm and shoulder. On other occasions, the same inadequate blood supply may cause no symptoms. In this case, the condition is called silent angina. Because high cholesterol can have such a negative impact on the human body, it is critical to have cholesterol levels regularly and properly screened. LDL "Bad" VS HDL "Good" Cholesterol: What s the Difference? Without the use of a coating agent, it would be difficult if not impossible for cholesterol to travel through your blood. As a result, the body produces a "lipoprotein" to act as this coating agent. (Think of it as a similar to the coating layer applied to aspirin to allow for easy swallowing.) The two lipoproteins produced by the body are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It s the LDL-cholesterol that carries most of the cholesterol in the blood.too much LDL-cholesterol in the blood can lead to cholesterol buildup in the arteries, and eventually coronary heart disease. For this reason, LDL-cholesterol has been labeled the "bad" cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol on the other hand, helps the body remove excess cholesterol from the blood, ultimately preventing or at the very least slowing plaque development on the arterial walls. For this reason, HDLcholesterol has been labeled the "good" cholesterol.

2 What Affects Blood Cholesterol? Many factors contribute to cholesterol levels. A person s age, whether they are male or female, food they consume, the amount of physical activity in a person s life, body weight (especially if the body weight is composed of more fat than lean body mass such as muscle), and heredity all impact blood cholesterol. Age and Sex Blood cholesterol levels in both men and women begin to increase around the age of 20.Women have lower levels of cholesterol than men of the same age. However, after menopause, a woman's LDL-cholesterol level goes up as does her risk of heart disease. The Foods You Eat A high intake of saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and excess calories lead to someone becoming overweight and can increase blood cholesterol levels.the average daily intake of dietary cholesterol should be between mg for women and approximately 360 mg for men. Amount of Physical Activity Research has shown that increased physical activity lowers LDL-cholesterol and raises HDL-cholesterol levels, and can lower total blood cholesterol by as much as 12%. (Some research show total reduction as high as 15% and as low as 9%) Too Much Weight Excess body weight in the form of fat can make the LDL-cholesterol level go up and the HDL-cholesterol level go down. Heredity Genes partly influence how a body makes and handles cholesterol. If there is a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, a physician should be consulted as early and as often as necessary to maintain awareness of cholesterol levels. What are considered to be "Healthy" Cholesterol Levels? Any level below 200 is considered within the healthy range for cholesterol.a person with these levels is at a lower risk for heart disease. However, everyone should remain aware of the dangers of elevated cholesterol levels and begin to take the necessary steps to prevent their onset. What Are Triglycerides? Triglycerides provide the mechanism in which fat is carried through your blood to the tissues.the majority of your body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides.your triglycerides are measured whenever your LDL-cholesterol is checked.triglyceride levels less than 200 mg/dl are considered normal. It is not clear whether high triglycerides alone increase your risk of heart disease. But many people with high triglycerides also have high LDL or low HDL levels, which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease. LDL Cholesterol Categories If your LDL-cholesterol level is high or borderline-high and you have other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor or healthcare provider will most likely plan a treatment program for you. Ask about an all-natural approach first. Following an eating plan low in saturated fat and cholesterol and increasing your physical activity is usually the first and most important step to lowering your cholesterol. Supplementing your diet with PhosChol could be a natural and healthy way to assist your body in managing healthy cholesterol levels. Dangerously high levels of cholesterol may require prescription drugs. Risk Factor LDL Cholesterol Level High Above 160 mg/dl Borderline HighBetween 130 to 159 mg/dl Desirable Less than 130 mg/dl What is considered high cholesterol The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has published the following guidelines and considers individuals with a total cholesterol number above 200 as at an increased risk for heart disease.

3 High Cholesterol A total cholesterol number above 240 mg/dl is considered high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels above 240 puts a person at more than twice the risk of heart disease compared with someone whose cholesterol is 200mg/dL. Approximately 20 percent, or 1 out of every 5 American adults, has blood cholesterol level of 240mg/dL or greater. Borderline High A total cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dl, is considered to be borderline high cholesterol. Any cholesterol level of 200mg/dL or more increases the risk of developing health problems, particularly coronary heart disease. More than half the adults in the United States have levels above 200mg/dL. If a person s total cholesterol number is above 200 or "borderline high", their doctor may want to measure the specific levels of your HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as their triglycerides.this test is called a "Lipoprotein Profile". Desirable Cholesterol levels less than 200 mg/dl is considered healthy and indicates a lower risk for heart disease. However, even individuals with desirable cholesterol levels should remain aware of the dangers of elevated cholesterol levels and begin to take the necessary steps to prevent it from occurring. Risk Factor Total Cholesterol Level High Above 240 mg/dl Borderline HighBetween mg/dl Desirable Less than 200 mg/dl Is a Natural Alternative Right for You? For many people, an all-natural approach is an excellent first line of defense against inflated cholesterol levels. Consult with a doctor or healthcare provider to determine whether or not a natural alternative is the most effective way to manage your cholesterol levels. PhosChol is an all-natural alternative to prescription medication for high cholesterol and may be the solution you need to improve your cholesterol count. PhosChol, along with a balanced diet and exercise, may help you effectively manage your cholesterol without any of the unnecessary risks or side effects experienced with prescription cholesterol medication. Lowering High Cholesterol Lowering cholesterol can happen with subtle changes in our diet and lifestyle. Simply by becoming more active and eating in a healthier way, you may be able to lower your cholesterol by as much as 8-12 percent. However, everyone s body is different and in some cases diet and lifestyle changes must be combined with medication or natural supplementation. Visit our Diet and Exercise section to lean more about what you can do to start living healthier today. Being Heart Healthy The Best Way to Be! Make Diet and Exercise the Major Players in Your Fight Against

4 High Cholesterol and Heart Disease. Do I need to be athletic to begin a fitness program? Absolutely not! One of the biggest misnomers about fitness is that a person must already be fit or be an athlete to participate and enjoy the benefits of a fitness program.the truth is, almost anyone can participate in a fitness program. (As with any new physical activity we recommend consulting your physician or healthcare provider prior to starting.) Some simple things you can start today: Take a short 20 to 30 minute walk at least once a day.this is something that can easily become part of your day before work, during a lunch break, or after dinner. (Recruit friends at work to walk with you during lunch make it fun and you ll stay motivated) Use the stairs instead of the elevator Park at the back of the parking lot the next time you are at the mall or the office. (Don t waste time circling the lot for the closest possible space.) Take 15 minutes and an extra lap around the mall without stopping to window shop Ride a bike Work in the yard or garden. Gently stretch while watching television Why is staying active important? Research has shown that regular physical activity improves cholesterol level. It can help lower LDL, raise HDL, and assist in managing weight. Staying active and maintaining a fitness program is always easier if you have someone to share the experience with and who keeps you motivated. Recruit your family or friends.take trips that include hiking, swimming, canoeing or sea kayaking. Many fun, safe, low impact activities, require little athletic ability and provide your body with extraordinary benefits. While we highly recommend seeing a healthcare provider before starting on an exercise program, in most cases this does not happen. If you decide to take the first step and embark on some kind of health and exercise plan, start off slowly and work up gradually to a sensible, well-balanced and healthy plan that you can incorporate into your life and continue with forever. If any of these conditions apply to you, definitely seek advice from your healthcare provider before embarking on an exercise program. - I Have a pre-existing medical condition - I Experience pain or pressure in the chest or shoulder areas - I Often feel dizzy or faint - I Become mildly to very breathless after a mild workout - I am middle-aged or older - I Have not been physically active for an extended period of time - I plan to embark on a fairly strenuous exercise program (This is not recommended if you are just beginning an exercise program. It is always best to start out slowly and work your way toward more strenuous exercise levels. It is essential to build the body up in order to prevent it from breaking down.) Checking your Cholesterol According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol tested at least once every 5 years. But depending on your risks of heart disease, your doctor may suggest that you get evaluated more frequently.the process is easy. A simple blood test from your healthcare provider will tell you what your total cholesterol level is and how it relates to your overall health. It is extremely important to get your cholesterol evaluated and to understand what the results indicate. Because anyone can be susceptible to high cholesterol, you should make an appointment to be screened as soon as possible.you may still be at risk even if you eat well, watch your weight, and participate in physical activities.

5 If you are over 20 and haven t been tested in the last five years or were instructed to be screened on a more regular basis and have not done so, go see your healthcare provider now for a complete screening.talk about your total number, your risk factors, and your treatment options.when asking for guidance, find out if PhosChol or another natural alternative is available and practical for you. Current guidelines suggest that your optimal cholesterol number should be 200 mg/dl or lower. A change in lifestyle and supplementation with PhosChol may be all you need to reach your cholesterol goals and to keep your body healthy. If your Numbers are High It is always possible to lower your cholesterol by modifying lifestyle and diet. If at all possible, try lowering your cholesterol naturally. A solution could include supplementation with All Natural Soy Based PhosChol. It s best not to pollute the body with unneeded drugs and toxins. However, if a sincere effort to lower your high cholesterol through diet and lifestyle modification as well as regular supplementation with PhosChol fails, then you may need to consult with your physician or healthcare provider about prescription medications. Now s the Time to take Action Your health and your heart may be at serious risk. Science has proven that high cholesterol can lead to coronary heart disease.we know coronary heart disease claims a life approximately every 30 seconds. So don't take chances. Get checked as soon as possible. It s never too late to get started on a lifestyle change that can naturally help bring your cholesterol levels back to where they should be - without the use of potentially harmful medications. PhosChol may provide the body with all of the necessary assistance it needs to get cholesterol ratings to desirable levels. Check out the following websites for more information on Cholesterol, Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes, or for how to get started on a new Heart Healthy Program that can change your life forever. American Heart Association - National Institute of Health National Heart Lung and Blood Institute National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics More than half of women over age 55 need to lower their blood cholesterol. Source:The National Institutes of Health / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US). Facts About Heart Disease and Women: Reducing High Blood Cholesterol September. (p2 of 11). More than half of women over age 55 need to lower their blood cholesterol. Source:The National Institutes of Health / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US). Facts About Heart Disease and Women: Reducing High Blood Cholesterol September. (p2 of 11). One in two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 27 who will eventually die of breast cancer. Source: American Heart Association. Know Heart and Stroke (p2 of 2). A total cholesterol number above 240 is considered high, according to recent guidelines issued by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Source: Grundy SM, Becker D, Clark LT, et al. "Executive Summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III)". Journal of the American Medical Association 2001 May 16: 285(19). (p2 of 12).