Cholesterol. The Good the Bad the Ugly.

Courtney Barnes

Brad Schmidt

Mark Nystrom

Introduction

• Who we are

• Why we are here today

• What cholesterol is

• How this knowledge affects you

Cholesterol Statistics

Cholesterol Statistics contd.

• An estimated 106.9 million American adults have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and higher, which is above desirable levels.

• ¼ of Americans are hypertensive

• ¼ of Americans are pre-hypertensive

Cholesterol Statistics contd.

• Iowa State Statistics:– 6,400 faculty at I.S.U– $40 million are spent each year on health

care costs– $5 million are spent each year on

pharmaceuticals costs– $4 million are spent each year on sick days– Lipitor is the number 1 prescribed medication

for Iowa State faculty and staff

Cholesterol Risks

• Think about what risks apply to you– Age – Gender– Genetics– Exercise– Eating habits– Weight– Alcohol– Smoking– Stress

The Good: What is HDL?

• High Density Lipoprotein– Removes cholesterol from body’s tissues– Transport to Liver

• Excreted or Re-utilized

– Inhibits CV risks• Stroke, heart attacks

– Good diet• Omega 3, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated

Recommended Range

• American Heart Association, National Institute of Health recommends:

• Average women: 50-60 mg/dL

• Average men: 40-50 mg/dL

• > 60 mg/dL protects against heart disease

What is LDL?

• Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

• Triglycerides

• LP (A) Cholesterol

• Atherosclerosis– Plague

LDL cont.

• Suggested range:

• <100 mg/dL Optimal

• 100 to 129 mg/dL Above Optimal

• 130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High

• 160 to 189 mg/dL High

• 190 and above Very High

LDL cont.

• What influences LDL

• Saturated

• Monounsaturated

• Polyunsaturated

What is VLDL?

• Very Low Density Lipoprotein– Made of Cholesterol, Triglycerides (fat), Proteins

• Transport lipids– Out of lipids, deliver triglycerides to body cells

• Post Removal– Triglycerides turns into Intermediate Density

Lipoproteins• 2/3 return to liver Used again• 1/3 in the blood Turns to LDL

Importance of VLDL

• Measuring VLDL– To better understand LDL

• Transport– 10-15% of Cholesterol– Body cells

• New cell membranes• Further usage (energy storage)

Recommended Range

• Triglycerides– <150 mg/dL

*REMEMBER: VLDL eventually becomes LDL!

Understanding your food labels

• Things to look for:– Saturated – Meats, Dairy,& Processed foods– Monounsaturated

• Oils• Nuts

– Polyunsaturated• Omega 3• Omega 6

Controlling Your Cholesterol

• Doing a combination of the following will give you a good balance between HDL & LDL:– Aerobic exercise (20-30min most days of the

week at moderate intensity)– Lose body fat (control portions, healthy food

choices, be active)– Stop smoking– Alcohol consumption

Controlling Your Cholesterol contd.

– Increase the monounsaturated fats in your diet

– Adding soluble fiber to your diet

The Cholesterol Challenge!!!

• Go to your Doctor and get your cholesterol checked

• Check food labels– Already in your pantry and at the grocery store

• Reduce tobacco use or exposure• Implement physical activity into your daily

routine– Walking instead of CyRide– Park farther away at work and store– Plan outdoor physical activity for your family

Conclusion

• The Good: ?

• The Bad: ?

• The Ugly: ?

• Diet Habits

• Lifestyle Changes

Thank you for your time!

• We hope you learned the basic information on cholesterol and how it affects you.

• Questions? Comments?

• Our next lunch and learn will be Oct. 17th on Breast and Prostate Cancer in Carver Room 202

• Have a good day!