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February is Heart Health Awareness Month
High Cholesterol Raises Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
Millions of Americans have high cholesterol, which can clog blood vessels and lead to serious health problems. People with high total cholesterol are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the U.S.
Along with family history, unhealthy diet, weight gain, and lack of exercise are contributing factors for most people with high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is the fatty substance in your blood that latches onto particles called lipoproteins. “Lipo” means “fat” or “fatty.” Doctors test the blood for three main types:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) — this is the “good” kind. HDL helps take cholesterol out of your body. It gives your arteries a better chance of being unaffected.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — this is the “bad” kind. LDL is the main type of harmful cholesterol. It can build up and block the arteries. Your risk for heart attack or stroke rises as your LDL level rises.
- Triglycerides — this is another bad fat. High levels are often found with other heart disease risk factors.
Your total cholesterol is a blend of the three. A higher total means a greater risk for heart disease. The aim of treatment is to boost HDL while lowering LDL and triglycerides.
Confused about what your cholesterol numbers mean? What is considered a healthy number can vary from person to person. But in general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are healthy and have an average risk of heart disease should aim for these levels:
- HDL: 40 mg/dL or higher for men, 50 mg/dL or higher for women
- LDL: 100 mg/dL or lower
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
- Total cholesterol: About 150 mg/dL. Total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL is considered high.
Here are some ways to help manage cholesterol:
- If you’re overweight, make an effort to shed excess pounds.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Avoid saturated fat. It is found in meats, whole milk dairy products, and many prepared foods.
- Limit or avoid alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking.
Some people have a family tie to a severe form of high cholesterol. People with this condition have high cholesterol from birth but may have no symptoms until they have already developed serious heart problems. Inherited conditions like this show the value of knowing your family medical history and sharing it with your doctor. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medicine along with these changes.
For information about high cholesterol disease and its connection to heart disease or stroke, visit here.
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