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Those who have high cholesterol may have taken statins as their lipid lowering drugs. Statins are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications.

A study done in Southern California found that statins can also affect hypertension. In this study, 1,000 individuals were examined for the statins. These subjects did not have any chronic conditions, but had high LDL cholesterol (ranging between 113 to 190mg/dl). They either took Zocor 20mg, Pravachol 40mg, or a placebo, and were followed for eight months.

The researchers found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were modestly lowered in these individuals taking either statin. Both statins were able to slightly lower systolic blood pressures by 2.2mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.4 mmHg. It also appeared that Zocor lowered blood pressure slightly more than Pravachol. Once the statins were stopped blood pressure readings returned to what they were before the study.

However, bear in mind that the researchers still do not know how statins work in individuals with higher blood pressures. Statins are known for lowering cholesterol, reducing plaque formation, lessening inflammation and stabilizing plaques that have already accumulated in vessel. Therefore, right now, only use your statins for your cholesterol and do  not forget to use your antihypertensive to lower your blood pressure.

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What are the health food that can help in reducing the bad cholesterol level of the body. Here are 5 types of suggested foods:

1. Oatmeal

Oats are high in fibre, which helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol, bind bile and dietary cholesterol, and remove these elements from the body. Oats also have components known as beta-glucans, which help lower cholesterol levels.

2. Nuts

Studies have shown that walnuts help reduce blood cholesterol and keep blood vessels elastic and strong. Almonds also give similar benefits.

3. Flaxseed

Flaxseed oil contains a substance known as alpha linolenic acid - an omega-3 fatty acid. As our bodies do not produce omega-3, it is important to include it in our diet.

4. Beans

One of the favourite beans among health enthusiasts is soybean. Those who regularly eat soy protein have a lower risk of heart disease as soybean lower bad cholesterol in the blood.

5. Fresh Vegetables And Fruits

Eating plenty of vegetables, especially organic ones, will give you tremendous health benefits. The soluble fibre in vegetable and fruits helps prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol into the body.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!

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There are few simple strategies you can adopt to reduce LDL and Triglycerides levels.

The first step is to consume fewer calories, limit cholesterol intake, and trade saturated fats for monosaturated fats found in olive, peanut and canola oils. Also, eat more fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel and salmon, and cut down red meats.

The second strategy to reduce cholesterol is simply to reduce its absorption from the gut. One way to do this is to consume foods rich in plant sterols.

A vegetarian diet is also a good way to reduce the satured fat in the body. After all, studies have shown that there is an estimated 25% lower incidence of coronary heart disease in vegetarians when compared to non-vegetarians.

However, there is a down-side to a purely vegetarian diet - vitamin B12 and the omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oils (both are protective against heart disease) are missing. The counter-argument by vegetarian buffs is that these oils can still be found in soy and flax seed oils.

Last but not the least, the proper diet is the primary steps in maintaining your health. Choose a good diet for yourself!

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Cholesterol ia s sterol (a combination of steroid and alcohol), a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins.

There are two types of lipoprotein take important role in the body:
1. HDL (igh Density Lipoprotein). This is known as the “good cholesterol” as it has a protective effect on the body, carrying harmful fatty deposits away from the arteries and back to the liver.

2. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). This is known as the :bad cholesterol” as it transports the fatty deposits to the tissues encouraging a build-ip on the artery walls. The LDL cholesterol is very sticky. This build-up causes a conditio called atherosclerosis which leads to the narrowing of the arteries, restricting blood flow and so increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Cholesterol is important for the formation of cell membranes and hormones. It plays a part in the production of steroid hormones (such as Estrogen, Testosterone and Cortisone), the transportation of fats around the body, the creation of Vitamin D (vital for strong bones and teeth) and to build cell membranes.

Our body needs cholesterol and it is synthesized in the liver. The problem is not the cholesterol itself but in the excessive cholesterol – particularly the “bad “ LDL cholesterol which contributes to plaque build up in the arteries. The food we eat (particularly the saturated fat) can elevate LDL. An excess of LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries that feed the heart and brain and this can lead to a heart attack. (The “good” HDL cholesterol contributes by taking away excess cholesterol).
 

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