Things people tend to ignore about cholesterol (and ways it puts us at risk)

Cholesterol levels more than 200 mg/ dL are considered to be dangerous. A normal cholesterol or blood lipid report comprises three components which are mostly considered to determine the overall cholesterol composition in the body: high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides.



The low density lipoprotein or LDL range is paid more attention than other parameters in a lipid profile test. The normal range of LDL is less than 100 mg/dL. LDL is also referred to as the bad cholesterol.



HDL and triglycerides should be 40mg/dL or higher and below 150 mg/dL, respectively.

Regular medical examination is one of the key reasons why several life threatening diseases progress easily.



In case of high cholesterol it is important to check the lipid profile of the blood regularly. High levels of LDL should be controlled through lifestyle changes and medicines at the earliest.

Even after so much awareness around workouts and physical activities, how many of us have a dedicated schedule for workout?



Many people believe that medicines can help control cholesterol. Once they are prescribed statins they only rely on the medicine. However, it is very important to keep the body physically active as well.



Studies have found that a minimum 150 minutes of physical activity like walking can reduce risks associated with high cholesterol like heart disease.

Sitting for too long increases the risk of obesity. It is also a reason why blood pressure increases in the body.



Long sedentary hours increases fat around the waist and levels of unhealthy cholesterol or LDL in the body. It also lowers HDL in the body.



"Any extended sitting — such as at a desk, behind a wheel or in front of a screen — can be harmful," says MayoClinic.

Several studies have confirmed the link between smoking and high cholesterol. Studies have found that quitting smoking helps increase good cholesterol levels despite weight gain in some individuals.



HDL and smoking are inversely related to each other. Smoking reduces the HDL level in the blood which helps in carrying away the fatty deposit from the artery wall.

Even a small weight gain should not be ignored.



As per health experts, every extra 10 pounds produces 10 milligrams of additional cholesterol in the body.



Doctors have always warned against being overweight and obese, especially those who are at risk of developing cholesterol.



As per the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese tends to increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL).

Overall, research and medicine emphasizes lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol.



One should not sit for too long and take breaks in between. If you are unable to track time of sedentary hours, set alarms for every 20-30 minutes.



Those who have a desk job, try working on a standing desk.



In order to compensate for the lost workout hours, try to take phone calls and attend meetings while walking.

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