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What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced mainly in the liver, and found in normal body cells. Cholesterol is vital to the production and regulation of hormones and aids in the formation of cell membranes. When "bad" cholesterol, or LDL, accumulates in the blood and blood vessels, problems begin. The "good" type of cholesterol, or HDL, serves to remove LDL from the blood stream, taking it to the liver where it is metabolized. Like cholesterol, triglycerides are other fatty substances manufactured by your liver from fats, alcohol and sugar. Triglycerides can also increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, especially if you already have identified risk factors.
How Does High Cholesterol Affect My Heart?
Because it is a thick, fatty substance, excess cholesterol can build up in the coronary arteries, forming a stubborn plaque that narrows the arteries and restricts normal blood flow. Triglycerides can contribute to this build up of plaque causing additional restriction of blood flow. The loss of normal blood flow robs the heart muscle of essential oxygen and nutrients. This lack of oxygen may result in angina or, in extreme cases, a heart attack. High blood cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Lowering your cholesterol will reduce your risk for heart attack.
What should my levels be?
First, have a fasting lipid profile and obtain your results. If you have known cardiovascular disease, optimal lipid management calls for your LDL to be less than 100, total cholesterol less than 200, and HDL greater than 40. Continued reduction in LDL cholesterol beyond this level may result in even lower risk for development of heart disease. Slightly higher lipid levels can be acceptable for individuals without known cardiovascular disease and few or no other cardiac risk factors. In general, a lower-fat, lower-cholesterol eating pattern is recommended for all adults.
Total Cholesterol of between 200 and 239 is considered to be borderline high, while total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high and significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. If your total cholesterol is in this range, we recommend you see your personal physician for further evaluation and possible follow up treatment.
With HDL cholesterol a higher number is better. In fact HDL greater than 60 indicates lower disease risk, while HDL less than 40 is high risk. It is also important to keep an eye on your triglycerides. Your triglyceride level should be less that 150. Triglycerides of 150 to 199 are considered borderline high, while greater than 200 is high.
How Can I keep My Cholesterol In Check?
You can improve your cholesterol numbers in several ways.
- Adopt lower-fat eating habits. Eat foods low in total and saturated fats and cholesterol. At the same time, increased consumption foods containing mono-unsaturated fats and Omega 3 fats has also been shown to be beneficial.
- Enroll in a lifestyle modification class. It will help you better understand healthy eating habits
- Keep your weight at or near ideal. Increases in body weight are associated with increases blood cholesterol levels
- With your doctor's approval, begin a program of regular physical activity. Regular exercise throughout life is associated with a lower risk or heart disease.
- Visit your physician regularly for follow up treatment or guidance.
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