Cholesterol
Childhood obesity and high cholesterol
Today it is hard to find anyone who has not heard something about childhood obesity. We talk about childhood obesity in school, in the news, radio programs, and internet pages. Even the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, is leading a national campaign to combat this scourge that affects 1 in 3 children in the United States.
The sad thing is that childhood obesity has taken advantage impressive, but does not mean you have won the battle. Childhood obesity is not alone, and therefore it is necessary to attack it from childhood. This is not a problem of aesthetics or vanity. It is a health problem that affects the entire body. Childhood obesity is accompanied by a number of friends who do not help the health of your children. It is because that diseases were associated in the past mostly in adults, such as elevated triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, are now being diagnosed frequently in obese children.
Overweight and obesity
Before continuing with this issue know: What is the difference between obesity and overweight? Did you doubt for a moment? I know it may confuse the two concepts. Overweight refers to someone who weighs a lot, while obesity speaks of excess fat. Pediatricians use height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI) based on a formula. Then use a percentile tables (growth) that are specific for age and sex of the tiny and thus determine where you are. These tables have multiple lines. For example, half the children the same age are at the 50th percentile. 25% is above that level and 25% is below that level. The tables refer to 100 healthy children of that age that half are higher and half are lower, and so on. Give a range. The same applies to the weight. When using the table is a line between the heights and weights.
It is said that a child is obese if their body mass index-BMI-(BMI by its acronym in English) if you are in the 95 percentile or more, and are overweight if your BMI reaches the 85 percentile, but less 95. On the other hand, a child is at a normal weight if their BMI is between 5 and 85 percentiles. And they weigh less than normal if their BMI is less than 5 percentile.
Use of body mass index is a good measure though, is not perfect, occasionally, can be misleading because it does not measure directly the body fat. With the results of body mass index, a muscular person may appear to be overweight, without this meaning that it is much less obese. This means that a heavy person, but does not mean you have high levels of fat in your body. In cases where there was doubt, the doctor may perform other studies such as measurement of skinfolds, among others.
Do not forget that obesity causes serious health problems
It is important to know that obesity only causes problems. No benefits are associated with childhood obesity, and therefore must fight as soon as possible. Among other things, can cause child obesity: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. For example, there are places like the U.S. where 20% of children have bad cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol. Must consider not only the fat accumulates in the thick of the body but inside the arteries. This can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Read the rest of this entry »
Heart Information Center
Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is a major cardiovascular risk factors. Studies show that lowering blood cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance (a lipid) present in all body cells. The liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs to form cell membranes and produce certain hormones. When we eat animal foods such as meat, eggs and dairy products, Extra cholesterol enters the body. Although we often blame the rise in blood cholesterol to cholesterol in the foods we eat, the main cause of this increase is actually saturated fat. The fat dairy, red meat fat and tropical oils such as coconut oil are some foods rich in saturated fat.
The blood cholesterol levels, which indicate the amount of lipids or fats in the blood, expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl). In general, we recommend a cholesterol level below 200 mg / dl. Among the 200 mg / dl and 239 mg / dl, cholesterol is considered high or borderline and it is advisable to reduce it. A level of 240 mg / dl or more is considered high cholesterol and need to take steps to reduce it. Some ways to reduce cholesterol levels are changing your diet, begin an exercise program and take cholesterol-lowering drugs.
The country of high cholesterol
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 98 million American adults have cholesterol levels of 200 mg / dl or more. Of these, nearly 34 million have cholesterol levels of 240 mg / dl or more. The levels are generally higher in menstruating women because the hormone estrogen increases levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol”.
The risk of high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, tends to increase with age, and the disorder is more common in women than in men. Obesity of any kind, physical inactivity and diabetes are major risk factors.
The Good, the Bad, the total
The blood carries cholesterol to cells in special carrier particles called ‘lipoproteins’. Two of the most important are lipoproteins of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Physicians evaluate the relationship between LDL, HDL, and a fat called “triglycerides” and the relationship between them and total cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein
The particles of LDL transport cholesterol to the cells. LDL cholesterol is often called “bad cholesterol” because it is believed that elevated levels of this substance contribute to cardiovascular disease. Too much LDL in the blood leads to an accumulation of fat (called “plaque”) on the walls of the arteries, which begins the process of atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries supplying the heart, increases the risk of heart attack. LDL levels may be elevated in people whose diet is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, or both. Sometimes an underactive thyroid gland (which is called “hypothyroidism”) can also raise LDL levels.
High density lipoprotein
The particles of HDL transport cholesterol from your cells back to the liver where it can be eliminated from the body. HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it is believed that elevated levels of this substance reduces cardiovascular risk. People with low levels of HDL have an increased cardiovascular risk, even if your total cholesterol is below 200 mg / dl. Low levels of HDL are often a result of physical inactivity, obesity or smoking. It is also common for people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of HDL cholesterol. Men generally have lower levels of HDL cholesterol than women, because the female hormone estrogen increases HDL. But when women stop menstruating, your HDL levels can decrease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats that provide energy to muscles. Like cholesterol, are transported into the cells of the body by lipoproteins from the blood. A diet high in saturated fats or carbohydrates can raise triglyceride levels. It is believed that high levels increase the cardiovascular risk, but not all scientists agree that elevated triglyceride levels, independent of other factors, are a cardiovascular risk factor. People with high triglycerides often are obese or have low levels of HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, all cardiovascular risk factors. Very high levels of triglycerides (1000 mg / dl) may cause abdominal pain and a potentially fatal disease of the pancreas called “pancreatitis.”
Total cholesterol
Total blood cholesterol is the sum of cholesterol carried in LDL particles, HDL and other lipoproteins. All adults over age 20 should have a full lipoprotein profile every 5 years. You need to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test and during that space of time allowed is the only liquid water. This full profile to determine the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. LDL is the major lipid to predict cardiovascular risk.
If measured cholesterol levels from a blood sample taken on an empty stomach, ie the patient having eaten within 10 to 12 hours before the test will only be possible to calculate the total and HDL cholesterol. If the results indicate a high total cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol, or if the patient has other cardiovascular risk factors, your doctor may order a complete lipoprotein profile.
In this way, doctors can evaluate the results of full lipoprotein profile and other cardiovascular risk factors of the patient, and use a risk assessment tool to better predict the likelihood of suffering a heart attack within 10 years.
High cholesterol in children
Concern about high cholesterol in children is based on the ability to remain high throughout adulthood and thereby increase cardiovascular risk Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension were diagnosed only in adults. But in recent years, doctors have begun to diagnose in children and adolescents also and this has become a trend that is increasing.
While children do not suffer heart attacks, worry about the cholesterol high early focus on the ability to remain high throughout adulthood and thereby increase cardiovascular risk, however there is no evidence in this regard so far.
Analysis is recommended for measuring cholesterol in children with particular risk, which includes those who meet at least one of the following conditions:
Family history of high cholesterol
One of the parents have cholesterol above 240 mg / dl
If parents or grandparents have had heart infarction, angina pectoris or obstruction of cerebral vessels before age 55.
Children with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or kidney disease Overweight children toward obesity.
Children with multiple risk factors: significant excess weight, lack of exercise and adolescent smokers.
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New rules to evaluate high cholesterol in children
Pediatricians across the country can now apply the respective blood test for children between 9 and 10 years of age, in order to measure your cholesterol, announced the American Academy of Pediatrics.
While previous years, high cholesterol and their respective laboratory test was exclusive to adults or children who are considered high risk for this disease, the 14 experts from the National Heart, Blood and Lung decided last week to cover all children with a blood test that serves as a preventive measure. The experts argued that high cholesterol in childhood has a direct link to cardiovascular disease that occur in adulthood and the current pandemic of obesity in children.
Similarly, the American Heart Association says that the obstruction of the coronary arteries is a process that begins in childhood with excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats. Claudia Gonzalez, author of “Fat Boy healthier does not mean” as a preventive measure ensures that the community should consume the true American diet, drinking water that is 100% juice, eat beans, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and tortillas corn. Gonzalez said he also should be avoided at all costs the junk food and idleness among children with games and dances.
The new parameters for evaluation of high cholesterol in children, suggests:
All children between 9 and 11 years of age must be evaluated with laboratory tests that require fasting.
Children considered at high risk should be assessed between 2 and 8 years old and between 12 and 16.
All children should begin to assess their blood pressure at 3 years of age.
All children should consume low-fat milk after 2 years of age.
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High cholesterol in children and heart
There are generally two causes are related to high cholesterol in children: genetic or environmental, and other family heirlooms, such as poor diet and obesity.
Some children inherit a gene or genes causing the disease, which is considered a genetic defect who have families, one parent may have the condition,”said Dr. Juan Carlos Brenes, a cardiologist and codirector of the laboratory echocardiography Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach.
When it comes to genetic components, problems with high cholesterol levels can occur as young as two or three years old.
However, only one in 500 children have high cholesterol due to heredity, according to statistics quoted by the specialist. In most children with high cholesterol is blamed for over-consumption of saturated fat combined with low physical activity. And the alarm factor lies in the increase of obesity in children and adolescents between 2 and 19 during the last decade. About 12 million children and young people are obese in America,”said Brenes.
The increase of obesity in children lies also have changed the parameters to begin testing to detect high cholesterol.
Under normal conditions, the general indication is that first practice test in the blood lipid profile to the 20 years of age. But when obesity and other risk factors such as parents with myocardial infarction at young age, the control should start from childhood,”the specialist.
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Enemies of high cholesterol foods
The cholesterol is a high cardiovascular risk factor that can occur silently in our body and therefore, represent a hazard to health. However, if we want to fight some enemies, high cholesterol foods that can be our allies to prevent disease.
To reduce the cholesterol in the blood and thus eliminate this risk factor for heart, we include in our diet these enemies cholesterol foods :
Apple : their richness in pectin , a soluble fiber that reduces the absorption of cholesterol and other fats in the intestine, eating an apple a day is helpful in reducing blood cholesterol. Whenever possible, consume with better skin.
Oatmeal : This cereal is also very rich in soluble fibers that help lower blood cholesterol, therefore, include oatmeal for breakfast or savory fillings such as cakes or pastries can be a great alternative.
Dried fruit: besides having a high amount of fiber, are good fats that help increase good cholesterol and reduce cardio cholesterol. This improves the lipid profile for the benefit of the organism. About 5 walnuts or almonds a day will be enough to ally ourselves of these enemies of cholesterol.
Legumes : soybeans, peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, are great enemies of cholesterol, since they have high fiber, promote satiety in the body and are allies of the weight loss, all of which helps in combating high blood cholesterol.
Of course, besides these great enemies of cholesterol , we must know what foods to limit cholesterol-lowering fat intake and favoring its increase in blood as well as physical activity and keep stress at bay. For it is not magic foods, but their properties make them very effective in time to reduce blood cholesterol.
Stress and Cholesterol
The constant tension and daily stress familiarly called, causes a release of catecholamines and therefore increases the accumulation of lipids in the arteries, which is considered an important risk factor.
Stress is another cause of the levels blood cholesterol and therefore risk of arteriosclerosis (atherosclerosis). The word stress in English etymology, literally means ‘aggression’.
There is no doubt that excessive work or distressing, is very important in heart disease, such as circulatory disorders tachycardia or increased blood pressure observed in states of anxiety and job insecurity, are very harmful.
All people have individual characteristics. Those with features of aggressiveness, ambition, competitive spirit and a constant pressure and play an executive function or command, and must make many decisions every day, make a person in a state of constant tension. Read the rest of this entry »
Taking the natural juices anticholesterol
The juice plant natural are an ideal complement to a diet anti-cholesterol and by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease. For their efforts to be truly effective and without adverse effects is important to know how to consume .
Both celery, like pineapple and cucumber are foods with nutrients that help lower cholesterol . If you combine these foods in a juice, you get a natural drink with anti-cholesterol properties .
The best way to take the natural juices is made in the time you’re going to consume. If you prepare it and let time pass before taking it, some of the nutrients may be lost. These juices can be divided into 2 glasses , the breakfast and afternoon.
You can also program the consumption of these juices according to your schedule and your daily activities. How long you should take these juices anticholesterol depend on the reaction of your body until your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides back to normal.
Also keep in mind that these juices should be consumed within a diet to lower cholesterol, otherwise its effect will not be expected. Also the practice of physical exercise is essential to further enhance the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides.
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Tomatoes against cholesterol
The tomato is rich in lycopene and vitamin C, natural antioxidants, which help not only to fight against cholesterol, but reduce the formation of free radicals that can affect health. For all these reasons to know how to include tomato recipes to the daily diet, it is ideal to stay healthy and cholesterol free.
Ideally, to reap the benefits offered by the tomato against bad cholesterol is to consume one or two units crude per day (depending on size), this way you can get all their nutrients (fiber, vitamin C, lycopene , etc.).. This can put into practice recipes for delicious salads in which you combine the tomatoes with other vegetables such as carrots, arugula, lettuce, onion, garlic, parsley, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, raw spinach , etc..
On the other hand if you have high cholesterol , but suffer from intestinal problems and can not eat the seeds and skin of tomatoes, cook steamed, remove skin and seeds and prepares a recipe for tomato sauce in which you include for example lean meat or skinless chicken . Thus their properties are intact and complement anti-cholesterol intake with other nutrients.
You can also add tomato puddings, casseroles, cakes and juices . These are ideal to fight cholesterol because it is a natural way to get all its properties and supplementing with the properties of other vegetables. Remember that it is necessary to supplement the consumption of tomato with a complete diet to lower cholesterol and physical activity daily.
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What are the symptoms of ischemia?
Poor eating habits and poor lifestyle choices can lead to lead to cardiac ischemia. Preventable disease, if you are attentive to a range of symptoms and / or signs that may occur. This note brindaré you about what they are.
The ischemia is a disease characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart. This results in less oxygenation of the tissue. This reduction in blood flow caused by the formation of plaque that clogs the artery.
The ischemia can be prevented if one is alert to the symptoms and / or signs that may occur.
What are the symptoms of ischemia?
- Tightness in the chest.
- Feeling of lack of oxygen.
- Fatigue.
- Pain in lower arms.
- What are the signs of ischemia? Read the rest of this entry »
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