Do you know what your PERSONAL cholesterol readings are?
What is YOUR ratio between HDL(good) and total cholesterol?
How important is RATIO?
"Studies indicate that the ratio between HDL and total cholesterol may be an even more important indicator of heart disease risk than high total cholesterol," says Dr. William Costelli, Director of the Framingham Heart Study.
To determine your ratio, divide your TOTAL cholesterol by your TOTAL HDL cholesterol. The Framingham study found that the average man who developed coronary heart disease had a ratio between 5.4 and 6.1.
Test your knowledge on this. It could save your life!
Look at the following blood lipid numbers:
Look at the following blood lipid numbers:
John has total cholesterol of 250, HDL cholesterol of 50, and ratio of 5.
Steve has total cholesterol of 200, HDL cholesterol of 20, and ratio of 10.
Who is more likely to have a heart attack? Even though John should get his cholesterol down, Steve is much more likely to have a heart attack because of his high ratio.
What are suggested ratios?
Men should be below 4.6.
Women should be below 4.0.
Very good is below 3.5.
Excellent is below 3.0.
Fantastic is below 2.6.
Actually, plaque reversal can occur around 2.6.
For every point that you raise your HDL over 50, you reduce your heart attack risk by seven percent. Just go from 50 to 53, and you reduce your risk by 21 percent.
To RAISE HDL Cholesterol:
Do not smoke.
Get aerobic exercise regularly.
Get your weight down to at least normal.
Increase soluble fiber.
Increase fish oil.
Add vitamin E.
Get unhealthy fats out of your diet.
Go for a HEALTHY HEART!
Steve has total cholesterol of 200, HDL cholesterol of 20, and ratio of 10.
Who is more likely to have a heart attack? Even though John should get his cholesterol down, Steve is much more likely to have a heart attack because of his high ratio.
What are suggested ratios?
Men should be below 4.6.
Women should be below 4.0.
Very good is below 3.5.
Excellent is below 3.0.
Fantastic is below 2.6.
Actually, plaque reversal can occur around 2.6.
For every point that you raise your HDL over 50, you reduce your heart attack risk by seven percent. Just go from 50 to 53, and you reduce your risk by 21 percent.
To RAISE HDL Cholesterol:
Do not smoke.
Get aerobic exercise regularly.
Get your weight down to at least normal.
Increase soluble fiber.
Increase fish oil.
Add vitamin E.
Get unhealthy fats out of your diet.
Go for a HEALTHY HEART!
