Coronary heart disease is the highest causes of death in industrialized countries which includes the US. Cardiovascular disease does not look to diminish as an increase in the numbers of obese adults and kids seems to be on the rise. Cholesterol also seems to be on the rise any more and more individuals and this includes higher levels of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is one of the factors that can lead to the clogging of arteries which can result in different coronary heart diseases. Most people are not concerned about this problem until they have experienced a stroke, heart attack, or other issue. This was the case for me as well as I knew nothing about the underlying problem until my doctor told me I was a high risk for coronary problems. That is a major problem as preventing the problem is one of the best precautions.

People need to come to an understanding about LDL cholesterol and how this bad cholesterol can lead to coronary heart diseases. LDL cholesterol is produced by the liver and transported throughout the body to be used in certain functions. However, high amounts of LDL or small LDL particle size may cause clogging of the arteries as the waxy particle combined with other substances can slip into the lining of the arteries and build up a strong plaque. This is where the problem beings as more and more buildup starts to accumulate, which some studies have linked to starting at childhood. This is why it is especially important for kids to have healthy diets low in cholesterol.

There are many solutions for LDL cholesterol with the most used being a change in diet and lifestyle habits. Fast food has been related to an increase in people who are obese and less healthy. This is because fast foods usually contain high amounts of saturated and trans fat while providing less nutritional content. Cholesterol is another product that should be limited and found any different foods produced from animals. For many people, changing up diets by selecting foods low in saturated fat, foods without trans fat, and foods with little cholesterol can really effect coronary health. For parents, it is important to help kids with proper eating routine and health which means less fast foods and fried foods and more healthier alternatives. Some alternatives include adding more fish and poultry to diets, adding more vegetables and fruits, and replacing items with trans fat or high saturated fat with many alternatives. I have added chicken and fish to 5 out of the 7 days of the week. There are no more trans fatty snacks in my house as these have been replaced with healthier alternatives like trail mix, low free crackers with no trans fat, and natural fruit rollups. Every time I buy food from the store, I always check the nutritional content label to check the fat content, sugar content, and overall nutritional value. It has become a habit now for me. My kids no longer have fast food every few days but are limited to once a week. Changes in lifestyle habits include stop smoking and adding daily exercise routines to keep active. This is especially important for children who these days are more likely to sit and watch tv, play video games, or use the computer. Parents need to add family exercise routines and encourage kids to become more active which tends to stay with them. Adults need to add exercise to their routines as well. I go for a brisk walk around the park for an hour every other day and take my kids out to play soccer and on the playground as well. Parents will be surprised how active a day at the playground can be.

Although I have not tried them myself, I was informed of several different medications that could help lower LDL cholesterol levels when combined with low cholesterol, low fat diets. I have seen these commercials everyday watching tv but never thought I would have to consider them someday as do many other people. There are a handful of these drugs including Lo-Cholest, Lopid, Zocor, and Lipitor to name a few. These drugs are designed to lower LDL cholesterol, lower LDL particle size, raise HDL levels, and lower triglycerides as well. Like all other prescription medication, these LDL lowering drugs all have different side effects and will work better on some than on others. I myself did not need it as my change in diet and exercise were efficient to get me down to a lower level. It was hard, hard work fighting the cravings and fighting to go exercise but it is well worth it.

I hope this will help others start to change their life before a bigger problem develops. There are many alternative foods that still taste great but are low in saturated fat and have no trans fat. There are plenty of other food options beside fried fast food joints. It is also important to ensure your kids are growing up healthy and not to put all the blame on the fast food places for making our kids fat. It is the parents responsibility and I personally believe that parents who watch what they are eating and are active will also have healthier kids.