High Cholesterol? Know and Control Your NumbersArticle by: Clark Stream PA-C

Published in the Lynn Haven Ledger, April 2011

Why is high cholesterol bad?Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver and found in our diet. It travels in your blood through the blood vessels. Over decades, high blood cholesterol levels may result in damage and narrowing of arteries called atherosclerosis. The American Heart Association has estimated that over 50 million Americans have high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol have a greater risk of stroke, heart attack and peripheral arterial disease.

What are the good and bad cholesterols?Lipids are fats. Blood is mostly water. Fat and water don’t mix. Our bodies get help carrying the lipids (fats) through the bloodstream by using a protein shell called a lipoprotein. There are two main kinds of lipoproteins: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is know as “bad cholesterol.” It mainly carries cholesterol. It delivers the cholesterol to body cells with excess building up in artery walls. This increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as “good cholesterol.” It is mostly a protein shell. The shell collects excess cholesterol that LDL’s leave behind on blood vessel walls. That’s why high levels of HDL cholesterol can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.

An easy way to remember the good from the bad is: L in the LDL is lousy and H in HDL is healthy.

Who should be screened?Because symptoms of high cholesterol are uncommon, many are not aware that their levels are too high. Experts agree that screening for the levels of cholesterol, including LDL and HDL is very important for men over 35 and women over 45 years of age. Many doctors support screening all men and women 20 years and older, and children from families with a high risk of heart disease. People with healthy levels (total cholesterol less than 200 or LDL less than 100) should have his or her cholesterol rechecked every five years.

What should my cholesterol be?Know your numbers! Cholesterol is checked with a simple blood test. A fasting lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides will give you an overall look at your cholesterol risk. Optimal target numbers commonly used include:

Total cholesterol: Under 200HDL: 40 or higher for men, 50 or higher for womenLDL: Under 100Triglycerides: Under 150

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Controlling cholesterol levels.

If your total cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides are high, or your HDL is low, follow these steps to help control your levels:• Eat less unhealthy fat: Cut back on saturated fats and trans fats in foods like chicken skin, red meat,

egg yolks, deep fried foods and high-fat cheeses.• Be Active: Choose an activity you enjoy like walking, swimming or riding a bike. Work up to 30

minutes of activity most days. Remember, some activity is better than none. Always check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.

• Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking can improve your lipid levels. It also lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke.

• Take medications as directed: Many people need medication to get their LDL to a safe level. Medication, however, is not a substitute for exercise or watching your diet!

Things to Remember:

• A simple blood test can check your cholesterol level.• High cholesterol places you at risk for arterial disease including heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol

increases these risks while HDL cholesterol decreases risk.• Stop smoking, eat healthy and exercise.