What Is a High Creatinine Level Number

Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean: Blood cholesterol levels are measured by a simple blood test. Elevated LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels, and high triglyceride levels puts a person at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. The primary goal for a person with high triglycerides or cholesterol levels is to lower them with lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss and diet changes to include more fiber, fruits and vegetables.

Must Read Articles:

• Cholesterol Tests

  Cholesterol tests measure the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. The test is also referred to as a lipoprotein profile or lipoprotein analysis. The test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels in the blood. Few risks are associated with cholesterol tests.

• Hardening of the Arteries

  Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, can eventually block blood flow. Obesity, high cholesterol, age and a number of other factors put people at risk for atherosclerosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medication.

• Heart Attack

  A heart attack is an interruption in blood flow to the heart muscle. Arterial plaque rupture is often the cause of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. Emergency heart catheterization and thrombolytic therapy may be used to treat a heart attack.

• Coronary Heart Disease

  Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of different types of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease depend on the cause and inclue chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Many conditions causes heart disease, for example, genetics, obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for heart disease depend on the cause and include diet and other lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and surgery. The prognosis (outlook) and life span for someone with heart disease varies depending on the cause.

• High Blood Pressure

  High blood pressure (hypertension) may be present in an individual, without any symptoms. Thus, it is called the "silent killer." Causes of high blood pressure include heart disease, kidney disease, tumors, birth control, alcohol, thyroid dysfunction, and birth control pills.Treatment of high blood pressure is generally through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

• High Cholesterol

  High cholesterol increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. There are no symptoms and it is often diagnosed during routine blood tests. Learn about prevention and treatment.

• Cholesterol and Children

  High cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease in adults, but some children may be at risk for premature coronary heart disease if they have high cholesterol levels. Lowering high cholesterol levels in children can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

• Lifestyle Cholesterol Management

  Lifestyle cholesterol management is important to lower your risk for heart disease, which includes: heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Cholesterol management with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can effectively lower blood cholesterol levels in some individuals.

• Understanding Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

  Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that your body needs to function normally. If a person has too much cholesterol in their bloodstream, it can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol lowering medications include statins (Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Altocor, Pravachol, Zocor, and Crestor), bile acid sequestrants (Questran, Colestid, WelChol), nicotinic acid agents (niacin, Niacor, Slo-Niacin), and fibrates (Lopid, Tricor). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking these medications.

• Triglycerides

  Elevated or high triglycerides are a type of lipid disorder. Lipids are one type of fat transported through the bloodstream. High triglyceride levels may occur alone, or it may occur with other lipid disorders like high or low LDL "bad" cholesterol levels. Causes of high triglyceride levels include kidney and liver disease, alcoholism, obesity, medications, and thyroid problems. A triglyceride test determines the level of triglycerides in the blood. Treatment for elevated lipid levels include diet, lifestyle changes, and medication if necessary.

• Cholesterol FAQs

  Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in the body. Diets high in fat, inactivity, and obesity contribute to high cholesterol. Some factors such as genetics are uncontrollable for having high cholesterol. You can lower your cholesterol levels naturally with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and control, exercise, diet, and quitting smoking. If these measures don't lower cholesterol enough a person may need to take cholesterol medications.

• Statins and Cholesterol

  Statins are a class of drug prescribed for reducing blood cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol. Examples of statins available include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), pitavastatin (Livalo), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Common side effects include brown, discolored urine, vomiting, muscle weakness, leg pain, muscle soreness, and stomach cramps. Drug and food interactions, warnings and precautions, and serious side effects should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

• Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke)

  A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is often a warning sign of a future stroke - you should call paramedics right away (dial 911 in the U.S.). Blood clots, occluded arteries and leaking blood vessels caused by high blood pressure may cause TIAs. Symptoms: include neurologic deficits, speech problems, vision problems, and confusion.

Featured:

Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis) Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, can eventually block blood flow. Obesity, high cholesterol, age and a number of other factors put people at risk for atherosclerosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medication.

Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean Topic Guide - Visuals

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Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Colesevelam

Colesevelam lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce ...learn more »

Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean Topic Guide – Related Topics

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Checkup

Some people expect to have a yearly medical checkup, and others feel that a checkup once every two to three years is sufficient. In the past, most medical group...learn more »

Common Health Tests

Common health tests may be performed in your doctor's office or even in the pharmacy. Regular health checks and screening for certain diseases and conditions ha...learn more »

What Is a High Creatinine Level Number

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