Everyone will experience stress at some point in their life. A small amount of stress generally doesn't have an extreme impact on your health. However, it's important for you to manage your stress effectively to prevent the development of certain illnesses. If you suffer from heart disease or if you have elevated cholesterol levels, you should identify stress relief solutions to prevent the development of cardiovascular symptoms. The development of these symptoms can lead to heart disease.
Types of Stress
There are essentially two types of stress. You may be most familiar with the stress we can identify which can cause us to worry or feel anxious. This can be caused by situations at work, finances or family problems. Eustress is a form of healthy stress which can motivate you to deal with a problem or overcome a challenge.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that develops in the blood vessels. Some cholesterol is necessary for good health but excess cholesterol causes health problems. When you have more cholesterol than you need. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A total of less than 200 mg/dL of cholesterol is considered healthy. This amount is composed of two types of cholesterol commonly referred to as "good" and "bad" cholesterol. HDL is considered the "good" cholesterol. You should aim to keep HDL cholesterol between 50 and 59 mg/dL; achieving an HDL or 60 or more is optimal. LDL is considered "bad" cholesterol. Your LDL should be in the range of 100 and 129 mg/dL.
Stress and Cholesterol
Prolonged exposure to stress can cause physical symptoms such as an uneven heart rate, difficulty breathing or limited cardiovascular endurance. When combined with excess amounts of cholesterol, stress can create pressure in the blood vessels, the heart and the cardiovascular system. Continued stress on the body can contribute to or exacerbate symptoms of heart disease.
Diet
You can manage your cholesterol by limiting your intake of foods that contain large amounts of cholesterol and fat. For example, organ meats, fried foods, eggs or whole milk contain significant amounts of cholesterol. Limiting your intake of these foods or finding healthier options can help to keep your cholesterol within a healthy range.
Stress Management
There are a variety of ways to manage stress but it is important for you to find the method that works best for you. Many people find that exercise, yoga, deep breathing, spending time with friends or family or visiting a spa for relaxation can help to relieve stress.
