There are a few factors: Genetics- high cholesterol tends to run in some families. Diet- certain foods can cause increases in LDL cholesterol fatty or processed meats biscuits, cakes & pastries snack foods like chips deep-fried foods many types of takeaway foods eggs and dairy foods in excessive amounts may be problematic for cholesterol, but [...]
Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (sometimes known as “bad cholesterol) tend to be the focus of discussion when blood tests are done. Normal total cholesterol is less than 5mmol/L Normal LDL is less then 3mmol/L, but basically, the lower the better. However, in people who have other risk factors (for example, diabetes), the ideal or [...]
Australian guidelines state that it’s advisable to have a blood test to check your lipid (cholesterol) profile every 5 years, from the age of 45. Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples should be tested every 5 years from the age of 35, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. How often you get [...]
Lifestyle changes are aimed at reducing all risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, and include the following: Quit smoking. Smoking allows LDL cholesterol to enter blood vessel walls more easily and cause damage. Healthy eating Increase exercise. Regular exercise appears to increase HDL levels while reducing LDL and triglycerides. Ensure blood pressure is normal [...]
The decision to start a medication depends on a person’s overall risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease)- it’s different for different people. A cardiovascular risk calculator can be used to figure out your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, based on your cholesterol results and other [...]
The mini pill (progesterone only pill) works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from getting through to fertilise the egg. In some women, it also prevents ovulation. It must be taken every day during the same 3 hour period, otherwise pregnancy may occur.. There are no inactive or sugar pills, so unlike [...]
Most women get no side effects Some women get side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches, acne, breast tenderness or changes in mood.
If used perfectly it is more than 99% effective, though with typical or “normal” use, it is about 91% effective
Yes, it can be used when breastfeeding, as it does not affect the flow of milk (whereas the combined oral contraceptive pill may reduce breast milk supply)
The POP is not usually the first choice if a woman wants to regulate her menstrual cycle. This is because the POP has different effects in different women- some may get irregular bleeding, others may get no period at all. So, whilst it may work out well for some users, it is not predictable (unlike [...]
