Erectile Dysfunction – Things You Wanted to Know

February 24, 2011 · Posted in diets to lower cholesterol · Comment 

Erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence is a frequently reported sexual problem in men. The condition refers to the inability in a man to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to complete satisfying sexual intercourse. Experts believe that most men at some point in their lives experience an episode of erectile dysfunction, however the condition is considered serious only if a man faces erection problems on a consistent basis.

Living with ED – Is it a disease?

Men suffering from erectile dysfunction often feel depressed because of their inability to have sex. They lose their self-esteem and become withdrawn from their partner. Many men do not even discuss the condition with their doctor as they hesitate in discussing their sexual matters because of the taboos associated with erection problems. Experts suggest that man need not suffer because of ED as the condition can be treated easily today. Also, men should not feel that ED is a disease. Your erectile dysfunction can be a manifestation of an underlying disease or condition, so you must always consult your doctor and get yourself diagnosed. By treating the underlying condition, your erection problems may well be resolved.

Is ED a part of getting old?

Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported in men above 65 years of age. But this does not mean that ED is an inevitable part of ageing process. The incidence of ED is higher in older men because elderly men are more likely to suffer from medical conditions such as vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that may interfere in the natural process of erection and lead to impotence. Also a number of medications prescribed for these conditions can also cause impotence. A large number of younger men are also affected with erection problems. However, in younger men the cause of impotence is usually psychological in nature.

Can ED be prevented?

Erectile dysfunction can be prevented in men who are at risk of developing ED because of personal behaviour. For instance, men who smoke or drink excessively may prevent ED by changing their lifestyle and limiting their consumption of alcohol and cigarette. Besides, in many cases erection problems caused due to relationship problems and performance anxiety may be avoided by communicating more with your partner and by bringing more intimacy in your relationship. However, other causes of ED may not be preventable.

What difference can a doctor make in treating ED?

Many men hesitate in discussing the condition with their doctor as they feel too embarrassed to discuss their sexual problems. However, experts believe that men need not feel so shy in discussing the issue. This is because, ED is a frequently reported sexual problem, and your doctor is quite used to discussing the matter. To diagnose the condition, your doctor will discuss your medical and sexual history. Only a standard physical examination is usually needed to find out if there is any problem in the penis. You may also be requested laboratory tests on blood and urine to help identify any underlying medical cause that may need treatment. Depending on your condition, your doctor will suggest the most appropriate ED treatment. You may choose any that you find convenient.

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a large number of men worldwide. The condition affects a man’s ability to achieve or maintain erection required for sexual intercourse. You can prevent ED by changing your lifestyle for the better and improving relationship with your partner.

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What You Need To Know About Cholesterol Drugs And Medications

May 26, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

It is extremely important to educate ourselves before using any kinds of drugs or medications for any kind of illness or medical problems, especially if it something as serious as high cholesterol. This is because it can turn out to be fatal if neglected. That is why we should learn more about drugs and medications used to treat high cholesterol.


Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance which is found in our cells and blood stream. Cholesterol is important for our body because it produces hormones and cell membranes. Our body needs some cholesterol to function. However, too much cholesterol will clog our arteries and cause coronary heart disease. This can in turn lead to a heart attack.


Although our body produces the cholesterol it needs, we also accumulate it through our intake of food products which contains it such as: egg yolks, poultry, butter, cheese and whole milk. There are two types of cholesterol which are: the LDL or low-density lipoprotein, which is the bad cholesterol and HDL or high-density cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. When our bad cholesterol level is high, we must do everything we can to lower it, including the use of drugs and medications.


Choosing The Right Cholesterol Drug


Many cholesterol drugs are now available on the market. Although some of these drugs can be obtained over the counter, you need to consult your doctor before you purchase and start taking any cholesterol medication.


Some cholesterol drugs may have serious side effects which may do you more harm than good. Your doctor is the only person who can advise you which cholesterol drug is best for you since he is the only one who knows your medical history, your state of health and which cholesterol medicine is suitable for you.


One of the types of drugs your doctor prescribe for cholesterol medication could be the statin drug. This drug is known be effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Your doctor may also prescribe an enzyme supplement with the statin drugs because your body will need more of a certain type of enzyme when taking statin drugs.


Another type of drug your doctor may prescribe is a bile acid sequestrate. It will help control bile acids that are secreted in the liver and gall bladder. It will travel through the intestine and softens fatty material in food, helping it become absorbed in a better way through your system.


Non Medical Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol


Besides taking cholesterol medications, you can try other non medical ways to lower your cholesterol. You can lower your cholesterol levels by modifying your diet and start taking only low or no cholesterol foods. Avoid trans and saturated fats from your diet as they are the main causes that raise your bad cholesterol level.


Besides modifying your diet, you should also increase your physical activities. Remember to exercise regularly, as it will not only help you lose weight, but lower your cholesterol level too.


Taking The Right Cholesterol Medication


If your doctor has confirmed that you suffer from high cholesterol levels after a series of tests, he may prescribe a cholesterol medication to help you lower your cholesterol levels and achieve a normal and healthier cholesterol level. Your doctor may also suggest that you make some lifestyle changes, altering the way you live your life and modifying the food you eat to help you achieve normal cholesterol levels quickly. If you take the right medication and make the right lifestyle changes as your doctor advises you, you should be able to achieve a healthy cholesterol level within a short period of time.


You should also be aware that cholesterol medication can be quite expensive. Remember that it can have many side effects that may cause problems for you. That is why you should always consult a doctor before you take any kind of cholesterol medications.


Stop taking any cholesterol medication if you are concerned about a side effect that occurs after taking it. Always consult your doctor should this occur and inform him of the side effects so that he can advise you if you have to discontinue the medication. Also remember that it is important to follow all the instructions on the medication because improperly taking any medication can cause serious problems for you.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Cholesterol Lowering Food to learn more about low cholesterol food and other high cholesterol diet.

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What You Should Know About Cholesterol Testing

May 13, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

When should I undergo a cholesterol test? What would the results say about my health? How many tests are there and which will give me the best results?

Unlike any other health tests, cholesterol testing does not diagnose disease. Instead, it reveals the risks of developing heart disease. Cholesterol testing is considered necessary in preventive health care for individuals over 20 years of age. The test should be repeated once every five years for healthy individuals.

Cholesterol testing, along with HDL, LDL and triglyceride testing is called the lipoprotein profile.

Cholesterol testing is done several times a year for individuals who are on a prescribed diet and for those who are taking cholesterol lowering medications.

Usually blood samples are drawn from the arm. Sometimes blood samples are taken from the fingertip. The samples are analyzed by a cholesterol testing device. Cholesterol tests are used to monitor the progress in lowering the cholesterol level.

Test results are grouped in three types:

* Desirable – the cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL below is regarded to be desirable because it has a low risk of heart disease.

* Borderline high – a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL to 240 mg/dL is at fair risk of having heart disease. Your doctor may decide to give you have a lipid profile in order to determine which cholesterol level is high.
* High Risk – a 240 mg/dL cholesterol level is considered to be at high risk of heart disease. Expect a lipid profiling if your cholesterol level is this high. It is more likely that you will be given a cholesterol lowering medication along with a low cholesterol diet.

Cholesterol tests are usually given when the individual is healthy because the blood cholesterol level of an individual who has an acute illness, (after a heart attack or after surgery or accident) is likely to be low. Individuals are advised to wait at least six weeks after any illness before taking cholesterol tests. Pregnant women are also advised to wait six weeks before having their cholesterol level measured.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol Ratios:

Cholesterol ratios consist of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol includes low level lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol), triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL cholesterol).

Cholesterol is measured by milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Usually, only the total cholesterol amount is given when a person is tested for cholesterol. Sometimes you are given the HDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol results.

The desirable total cholesterol level is 200mg/dL and the beneficial amount of HDL is more than 40mg/dL.

There are two important cholesterol ratios. These they are LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios.

In the latter cholesterol ratios, your cholesterol result is given by the total cholesterol divided by the HDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, the desirable amount should be below 5:1 with the optimal amount of 3.5:1 or 3.5 to 1.

The LDL/HDL is done by dividing LDL cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. The desirable amount in this ratio should be 3.5 below. The American Heart Association recommended that physicians must use complete numbers for total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol in determining the appropriate treatment.

A normal cholesterol level as suggested by the National Institute of Health:
* total cholesterol – 200mg/dL
* LDL – 100mg/dL
* HDL (man) – 40mg/dL above
* HDL (woman) – 50mg/dL above
* Triglycerides – 150mg/dL

It is important to remember to fast the night before, prior to taking a lipid profile test (a test that profiles the HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol) the next day.

If this information was useful, visit our website The Low Cholesterol Recipe to find out more.

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