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Cholestrol is a fatlike substance that is vital to the bormal functioning of your body. Unfortunately, excess cholestrol in the blood builds up inside the arteries, forming a sort of plaque that can eventually block the blood vessels.

This build-up is called atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and can slow down or block blood flow to the heart. With less blood, the heart gets less oygen resulting in :

• Angina (chest pain)
• Stroke
• Heart Attack

It is advisable to have your cholestrol checked by the age of 35 for men and 45 for women. Following the initial test, blood cholestrol should be checked every 5 years.

There are many contributing factors to a high blood cholestrol level :

• Cigarette smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity

For most people, a low fat diet and exercise are all they need to lower cholestrol. However those with very high cholestrol or heart disease may need medication to lower their cholestrol levels.

In addition, you can further reduce cholestrol by :

• Use cooking oil that is liquid at room temperature, like canola, soyabean or sunflower oil and use less of it when cooking.
  
  
• Eat two or three servings of baked or broiled fish per week.
  
  
• Eat more soluble fibre, found in fruit, beans, peas and oats.
  
  
• Avoid crackers, chips, cookies and margarine made with palm oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter.

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