Understanding Cholesterol: What It Is and Why It Matters
Understanding Cholesterol: What It Is and Why It Matters
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it the ideal time to share information about cholesterol and its impact on your health. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that plays an essential role in building cells, but when levels are too high, it can lead to heart disease. Understanding cholesterol and how to manage it is key to maintaining heart health. In this blog, we’ll dive into what cholesterol is, the different types, and why it’s essential to check your cholesterol levels regularly.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is classified into different types, and understanding these can help you manage your heart health more effectively.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Keeping LDL levels low is essential for cardiovascular health.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): HDL is considered “good” cholesterol. It helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL reduce the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides: While not technically cholesterol, triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels are often linked to higher LDL levels and lower HDL, further contributing to heart disease. High triglycerides can result from obesity, excessive alcohol intake, and diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Total Cholesterol: Total cholesterol is a tiny part of the overall picture. While it provides an overview, it’s essential to consider each component—LDL, HDL, and triglycerides—to get a clearer picture of your heart health.
A cholesterol test, or lipid panel, will give you all of these values, helping you and your healthcare provider assess your heart disease risk and develop a plan to manage it.
Factors That Affect Cholesterol Levels
Several factors contribute to your cholesterol levels, many of which can be managed through lifestyle changes.
Diet: Eating foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can elevate LDL levels. Meanwhile, foods high in healthy fats, like avocados and olive oil, can help improve HDL levels.
Genetics: Your genetic makeup affects how your body processes cholesterol. Some people are predisposed to higher cholesterol levels due to hereditary conditions. But this isn’t an excuse to ignore the other risk factors.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help boost HDL (good cholesterol) while lowering LDL (bad cholesterol). Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week for optimal heart health.
Other Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and high-stress levels can negatively impact cholesterol. Smoking lowers HDL, while chronic stress can trigger higher LDL levels.
Managing these factors through a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress reduction can significantly impact cholesterol levels.
Getting Your Cholesterol Checked
Regular cholesterol screenings are essential, especially as you age. Here’s what you need to know about getting your cholesterol checked.
The Importance of Screenings: Cholesterol levels can fluctuate based on diet, lifestyle, and overall health. Since high cholesterol doesn’t always have symptoms, regular screenings are necessary to detect issues early. This is based on many factors, so discuss this with your healthcare provider. This should be checked at least every five years, but annually or every other year is more common.
What to Expect in a Cholesterol Test: A cholesterol test, or lipid panel, measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. This is usually done after a 12-hour fast for accuracy. Based on the outcome, you and your healthcare provider can determine if lifestyle changes or medication are necessary. Ideally, following 6-12 months of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) is recommended to see if this can improve those levels before initiating medication.
Interpreting Results: The test will provide your total cholesterol levels and break down LDL and HDL levels. Generally, total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL, LDL under 100 mg/dL, and HDL above 60 mg/dL.
Understanding cholesterol and its role in your body is essential for long-term heart health. Taking proactive steps—like maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting regular screenings—can help you manage your cholesterol levels effectively. Don’t wait—schedule your cholesterol test today so you can take action to help your heart health.
