Cholesterol: Do You Know Your Numbers?

Do you know your cholesterol levels? About 1 of every 3 adult Americans has high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Without even making you feel sick, high cholesterol can clog your blood vessels and contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol. LDL, HDL, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol make up your total cholesterol count.

To find out what your cholesterol levels are, ask your doctor for a blood test called a lipid panel. The American Heart Association suggests that adults age 20 and older have a fasting lipoprotein profile every five years. This test is done after a nine- to 12-hour fast.
For most adults, the numbers should be:
Total cholesterol: • 200 or lower
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: Lower than 130
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol: Higher than 60
• Triglycerides: Lower than 150
Talk with your doctor about your results and how often you should be tested. Some people who are already at a higher risk for heart disease may have different targets for their levels than those listed above.

High LDLs are a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The problem is the build up of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, fats and other things in the blood, inside the heart’s arteries. Blood vessel linings are usually smooth and strong. When plaque builds up, the vessels narrow. The vessel walls are also weakened. This can cause cracks in the lining that attract blood clots, blocking the flow of blood to the heart even more. If the blood supply to the heart is severely reduced, you could have a heart attack. If your numbers are borderline or high, you can make lifestyle changes to help you lower your levels and your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, controlling your weight
and exercising regularly.

An important step to healthier eating is looking at food labels. Be on the lookout for trans fats, such as hydrogenated oils in baked goods, and saturated fats in high-fat meat and dairy products. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean meat and poultry without skin, and unsaturated vegetable oils such as canola and olive oil.

And for dessert, take a walk after dinner. Exercise can help lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, which can help keep you healthy.

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Information courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield