Good Cholesterol & Its Healthy Benefits

Generations have been taught that higher the cholesterol, higher the likelihood of getting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Dr. Neeru Bali smoothens the wrinkles of the following misconceptions by elaborating how good cholesterol-HDL in fact reduces the chances of getting heart disease.

- Dr. Neeru Bali

Cholesterol has been linked to Coronary artery and peripheral artery disease for almost fifty years now. In US, concerted public health programs to create awareness and advice on low cholesterol diet has been the single most important factor in lowering the prevalence of heart disease. But all cholesterols are not bad. In fact, it has been consistently shown in large epidemiology studies across the world that higher the good cholesterol HDL, lesser is the chance of getting heart disease. Even in the landmark Framingham study, it was shown that HDL has not only a protective effect but it has a direct quantitative effect.

HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from periphery to liver for metabolism. The level of good cholesterol in blood is genetically determined. There are few ethnic groups in the world who have genetically very high levels of HDL and the prevalence of heart disease in these groups is remarkably very low. There are number of sub fractions of HDL cholesterol and it remains to be determined whether all sub fractions have equally protective effect or this benefit is limited to only one or two of these sub fractions.

Rise in one mg percent of cholesterol gives a two percent incremental protection and the relation is linear. So let us have a look at the various ways to increase HDL Cholesterol.

EXERCISE

Whether you choose cardiovascular workout or weight lifting, you are taking an action that may significantly improve your health. From helping you control your weight to assisting in managing your cholesterol levels, any form of exercise offers a broad array of benefits.

Cardio and HDL