High Cholesterol and Metabolic Syndrome

High cholesterol is a key symptom of Metabolic Syndrome, which can damage the cardiovascular system and lead to a heart attack or stroke. When the body becomes Insulin Resistant, it begins a cycle which leads to the release of more and more insulin to compensate. This condition is called hyperinsulinemia as pancreatic insulin secretion rises to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood stream. Hyperinsulinemia can then stimulate lipid storage (fat storage throughout the body) and altered lipoprotein (higher levels of cholesterol) which increase the risks of damage to the cardiovascular system. Combating hyperinsulinemia is a crucial factor in heart disease prevention. The resulting excess of insulin in hyperinsulinemia also encourages the liver to produce more of the blood lipids called triglycerides. This blood fat disorder is called Dyslipidemia, which fosters plaque build-up in artery walls. Dyslipidemia is diagnosed when LDL "bad" cholesterol is high, HDL ("good" cholesterol) is low, triglyceride levels are high or there is a combination of all these factors, which are associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Additionally, LDL cholesterol particles seen in people who suffer from Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) are smaller and more dense than the particles of people without this condition. This factor has been directly linked to an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease, heart attacks and stroke, although the exact cause of the relationship is unclear. Increased levels of the “bad” cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) are one of the underlying symptoms that will trigger a diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome. Obesity, high blood lipids, poor diet and physical inactivity are known to have an effect on the development of high levels of cholesterol. A woman with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) also often displays signs of Metabolic Syndrome. These may include high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and excessive abdominal fat, all high risk factors for developing Cardiovascular Disease, heart attacks and stroke. Scientists and health care professionals have been warning in recent years of the dangers of "high cholesterol", which is actually a reference to LDL, as opposed to the "good" cholesterol, or HDL (high-density lipoprotein.) In general, the lower a person's LDL, and the higher their HDL, the lower the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) advises that addressing high levels of cholesterol is critical. “But the idea that you can use cholesterol-lowering drugs without lifestyle changes is incorrect," said Scott Grundy, M.D., Ph.D. and the American Heart Association's representative to the NCEP. "Lifestyle changes have enormous benefits beyond lowering LDL cholesterol, such as raising levels of good cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, improving Diabetes and reducing inflammation of the arteries," he said. Sticking to a low cholesterol diet may not be enough to improve problems with cholesterol. Although there are approved drugs that can help lower cholesterol levels, there are currently no drugs that will completely reverse the symptoms of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome or PCOS. Instead, you must rely on a multi-faceted approach to improving these conditions. What is required is a complete system, including nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs and minerals that are disease specific), a realistic exercise program combined with nutritional guidance and a support system that will help you change unhealthy lifestyle choices. Click here to read about the ground-breaking Insulite MetaX System, which can reverse Insulin Resistance-linked weight gain, a key underlying cause of heart-damaging Metabolic Syndrome. The system includes numerous formulations, including OmegaX, which features omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by preventing a build-up of high cholesterol and the onset of high blood pressure (hypertension). You may be interested in some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Metabolic Syndrome and the Insulite MetaX System. What are the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) and how do they relate to Insulin Resistance? What blood tests can I have to determine if I have Metabolic Syndrome and what are the indicators of this condition? How does the Insulite MetaX System help people suffering from the disorder? Click here to read about Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Disease