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Is Your Cholesterol at a Healthy Level?
Cholesterol is a fatlike, waxy substance in the blood.
Cholesterol is produced in the body and also comes
from food containing saturated fat and trans fat.
Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly -
it uses cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and
substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes
all the cholesterol it needs. Your total cholesterol level is
made up of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density
lipoproteins (LDLs), and triglycerides. It's important to
keep your cholesterol at healthy levels.
The Skinny on Blood Fats
Dyslipidemia is the medical term for an abnormal amount
of fatty substances in the blood. Here's a rundown of these
substances and how they can affect your health.
HDL, or "good," cholesterol. You want your HDL level to
be high. The lower your HDL level, the greater your risk for
heart disease. HDL carries bad cholesterol from around your
body to the liver for removal.
LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. The higher your LDL level,
the greater your risk for heart disease. LDL can build up
on the inner walls of arteries, narrowing and clogging the
blood vessels. Eventually, a blockage may occur. If an
artery in or near the heart is blocked, the result is a
heart attack. If an artery supplying blood to the brain
gets blocked, the result is a stroke.
Triglycerides. This is a form of fat carried in the
bloodstream. High triglycerides often go hand in hand with
abnormal cholesterol levels. High triglycerides increase the
risk for atherosclerosis and are associated with inflammation
of the pancreas.
There are no signs or symptoms of high blood cholesterol.
Many people don't know that their cholesterol level is too
high. High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by checking
cholesterol levels in your blood. A blood test called a
lipoprotein profile measures the cholesterol levels in your
blood and is the recommended test. According to the National
Institutes of Health, it's important that everyone age 20 and
older get their cholesterol checked at least once every five
years. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about
when to have your next cholesterol check.
Living a Heart-Smart Life
A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing
problems and help get blood fat levels under control if you
already have dyslipidemia. You can reduce your risk of
having a heart attack or stroke by:
- Eating a low-fat diet. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol. These substances can raise total and LDL cholesterol in your blood. Cut down on whole milk, full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, butter, palm kernel and coconut oils, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, and egg yolks.
- Staying active. Regular exercise can help lower your LDL level and raise your HDL level. Talk with your health care provider before starting any new exercise programs.
- Watching your weight. Dropping excess pounds if you're overweight can help lower LDL. Fortunately, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help with weight control.
- Quitting smoking, or never starting. Smoking raises your risk for heart attack and stroke. Talk with your doctor if you need help to quit.
If your cholesterol level remains high six months after you
change your lifestyle, your doctor may recommend
cholesterol-lowering medications.
Know Your Numbers
 You should have your cholesterol checked at least
every five years, starting at age 20. Here's how the
numbers break down for cholesterol:
Total cholesterol: A total cholesterol level of 200
mg/dL to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline
high; 240 mg/dL and above is high.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: An
HDL level of less than 40 mg/dL is low; 40 to 59
mg/dL is satisfactory but not optimal; 60 mg/dL
and above is considered optimal. The higher your
HDL cholesterol, the better, because it helps
protect against heart disease.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: You
want your LDL level to be low. While anything
above 130 mg/dL is generally considered high,
some people, such as those with diabetes, should
aim for an even lower level. Ask your doctor
what's right for you. An LDL level of 130 to 150
mg/dL is generally considered borderline high;
160 mg/dL and above is high to very high.
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is considered
desirable; 150 to 199 mg/dL is borderline high,
200 to 499 mg/dL is high, and a level greater
than 500 mg/dL is very high.
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