Clearing Up Cholesterol Confusion

What Is Cholesterol and How Is It Related to Heart Disease?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to work properly. It helps build cells and is used to make certain hormones and vitamin D.

However, when there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup forms plaque, which can make your arteries narrow and hard. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your body. Plaque can also lead to blood clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.

My Cholesterol Results Show LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides. What Do They Mean?

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

LDL is often called "bad cholesterol." It carries cholesterol through your bloodstream. When LDL levels are too high, cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

HDL is known as "good cholesterol." It helps carry extra cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL levels can help protect your heart.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. High triglyceride levels can add to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

How Does Cholesterol Get Too High?

High cholesterol can happen because of:

• Diet: Foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter, and fried foods, can raise cholesterol levels.
• Family history: Some people inherit genes that cause high cholesterol, even when they eat healthy foods.
• A combination of both: Diet and genetics often work together.

When Should I Get My Cholesterol Checked?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults age 35 and older who are at low risk have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol levels.

It's also important to pay attention to your cholesterol when you're younger. High cholesterol and high blood pressure often have no symptoms. Taking care of your health early can help lower your risk of heart disease later in life.

What Diet Changes Can Help Lower Cholesterol?

The best changes are the ones you can stick with long term. Consider:

• Use olive oil instead of butter when cooking.
• Choose chicken or pork more often instead of red meat.
• Eat more soluble fiber, such as:
  • Oatmeal
  • Fruit
  • Flaxseed
• Cut back on added sugar, since extra sugar can be stored as fat in the body.

What Foods Can Help Raise Good (HDL) Cholesterol?

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels. Try adding:

• Beans
• Fish such as sardines and mackerel
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds

When Might I Need Cholesterol Medicine?

If healthy lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend medication.

Statins are the most common cholesterol-lowering medicines. Examples include Lipitor® (atorvastatin) and Crestor® (rosuvastatin).

Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body makes. They are safe and effective for most people, and many people do not experience side effects.

Key Takeaway

Cholesterol is important for your body, but too much can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Healthy eating, regular checkups, physical activity, and—when needed—medication can help keep your cholesterol at a healthy level and protect your heart.