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 Increasing 'Good' Cholesterol: What to Do and What to Avoid? In addition to reducing 'bad' cholesterol in the body, the level of 'good' cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL. Currently, heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. High cholesterol is considered a primary factor in deaths resulting from heart-related issues. Therefore, it is recommended to keep total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL. To ensure healthy cholesterol levels, it is essential to maintain a proper balance between 'bad' and 'good' cholesterol. Ideally, 'bad' cholesterol should be kept below 130 mg/dL, while 'good' cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as 'good' cholesterol, whereas Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is known as 'bad' cholesterol. Cholesterol is primarily produced in the liver. The body requires cholesterol to form the outer layers of cells, produce ce...

 Cholesterol Is Not a Disease in Itself Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver within the body. It is a vital component of the cells found in human blood. Cholesterol is essential for the formation of healthy cells, Vitamin D, and various hormones—such as estrogen , progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone—as well as for the digestive process. An appropriate level of cholesterol is necessary for the body to perform various physiological functions. The mere presence of cholesterol in the body is not a danger; however, when cholesterol levels rise, the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease , increases. What happens when cholesterol levels are high? How can it be controlled? Why do cholesterol levels rise? Factors such as genetics, an unhealthy lifestyle, excessive consumption of processed (factory-produced) foods, obesity, and pre-existing heart disease can lead to high cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can cause blockages in blood ...

 Some Myths and Facts About Cholesterol Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. Simply put, the fat present in the blood is called cholesterol. It helps keep every cell in the body alive. Therefore, the presence of cholesterol in the blood—which is produced by the liver—is a normal occurrence. The liver of an adult produces 1,500 milligrams of cholesterol every day. While the liver generates 85 percent of the cholesterol in the body, the remaining 20 percent is obtained through diet. However, if excess cholesterol accumulates in the body or its levels in the blood become too high, it can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to serious heart-related problems. This increases the risk of a heart attack. Types of Cholesterol There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)—often referred to as "bad" cholesterol—and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)—known as "good" cholesterol. LDL is commonly called "bad" cholesterol. Its level...

 What tests should be done if a heart problem is suspected, and what is the cost? Echo, ECG, angiogram, TMT—you may have heard of these various types of heart-related tests. If a heart problem is suspected or identified, a doctor may recommend undergoing several such examinations. Even for healthy individuals, getting a heart check-up once a year—even in the absence of apparent issues—can help detect problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and the reduction of health risks. You should seek an immediate heart examination if you experience symptoms such as becoming short of breath during light physical activity, excessive fatigue, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or chest pain that radiates toward the left arm. Which tests should be performed, and under what circumstances? ECG An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that uses electrical equipment to record the heart's various activities and conditions in the form of a graph. The information displayed on this gra...