High cholesterol levels put you at significant risk of heart disease and the higher the level of cholesterol, the greater your risk of a heart attack or heart disease. In many countries, heart disease is the number one killer of men and women; this holds true in the United States as well, coming out on top of cancer. Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is finely dispersed in the blood, and if it is present in excess, it is deposited in a film layer on the inner walls of the arteries. If this condition of excess cholesterol is allowed to continue, the layer gets thicker, the arteries get narrowed and the flow of blood to the heart is reduced. When the supply of blood to the heart or any portion of it is completely blocked off it will result in a heart attack. High cholesterol on its own does not cause any symptoms so most people are oblivious to their risks unless they undergo tests for cholesterol levels. It is important to know your cholesterol levels, so that you can control them through your diet, and maintain it at a healthy level. Maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol is necessary for everyone, male or female, young or old, with or without heart problems.

High Blood Cholesterol

Remedies for High Blood Cholesterol
Medical care is important if you have a high blood cholesterol problem. This is particularly important for monitoring your condition and evaluating the current line of treatment or the need for treatment. Whether or not you are on medications to treat the problem, natural methods of treatment for high blood cholesterol can help considerably. This does not simply refer to concoctions and potions that you can brew at home though! Natural methods of treatment can include dietary and lifestyle modifications as well. Your diet is in fact the single most important factor to consider when dealing with high blood cholesterol.

The first and most logical step to deal with the threat of high blood cholesterol levels would be to counter the risk factors:
-- Follow a balanced and healthy diet, eliminating foods that are excessively fatty. Cut down on the meats (especially red meat), fried and oily foods, whole dairy products and desserts like ice-cream, pastries and so on.

-- Make a conscious effort to regulate your body weight and maintain it within the levels considered healthy for someone of your age, gender and body type.

-- Make sure you get enough physical activity. If you don?t have time to exercise at a gym or find it inconvenient don't use it as an excuse to skip physical activity. Avoid using the car for short trips in your neighborhood and walk or cycle instead. Whether you wish to dance, or run errands or walk a dog, any kind of physical activity will benefit you.

-- Smoking isn't just bad for your lungs. It causes damage to every organ in the body over time, the heart and circulatory system included, and if you do wish to address a high blood cholesterol problem you should quit smoking.