Regular Screening for Cholesterol Levels is Crucial for Heart Health
Haven't Got a Clue About Your Cholesterol? Here's the Lowdown
Hey there! If you're unsure about your cholesterol levels, you're not alone in the dark. We all should know our numbers, but many of us don't. Let's get you up to speed on cholesterol, cholesterol checks, and ways to keep those levels from soaring.
The Cholesterol Lowdown
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that cruises through our bloodstream. Your liver produces it, transporting it to cells, where it aids in building membranes and making hormones. As useful as it is, too much cholesterol in your blood vessels can narrow them, raising the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Naturally, familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition passed down in families, can cause excessive cholesterol. But other factors, such as age, diet, and smoking habits, also play crucial roles. Let's delve into that shortly.
Good Cholesterol vs. Bad Cholesterol
You've likely heard about "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol. Good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoproteins (HDL), helps whisk away bad cholesterol from different parts of the body to the liver, helping prevent arterial buildup. High levels of good cholesterol can counteract the ill effects of bad cholesterol.
Bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDL), is problematic only in high quantities. Slight amounts of it are harmless, and everyone has some in their body. Foods with high saturated fats, such as red meat and dairy products, and foods high in trans fats, like fried foods, contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Red meat and dairy can be part of a healthy diet, but it's best to cut out trans fats entirely if possible. Healthy fats found in foods like salmon, olive oil, and avocados can promote high levels of good cholesterol. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are also great for lowering bad cholesterol and boosting good cholesterol.
Assessing the Risks
There's no magic number that defines high cholesterol. Doctors often use 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) as a benchmark for total cholesterol, but it serves as more of a starting point than a conclusive answer. Dr. Matthew Jaffy, a family medicine physician, explains that it depends on various factors, such as age and family history. Additional risk factors for high cholesterol include smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic predispositions.
To understand your unique risk, doctors input your risk factors into a database that draws on data from research studies on thousands of people with cholesterol-related issues. With this personalized information, doctors can make informed recommendations tailored to your life and overall health.
Getting Your Cholesterol Checked
It's a breeze to find out your cholesterol numbers. You can check it at home with a device that takes your blood sample, send your blood to a lab using a kit, or visit your doctor's office. However, Jaffy suggests conferring with your doctor about the results for an accurate interpretation. Diagnostic tools can require fine tuning, making it beneficial to consult with an expert like a primary care doctor or specialist.
Numbers alone won't definitively tell you if you have high cholesterol. To truly determine risk, you should consider your health habits, medical history, and the advice of your trusted healthcare provider.
The American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol checked every four to six years if you're over 20 and generally healthy. Those with additional risk factors, like high blood pressure, should get checked more often. Don't assume your cholesterol levels are low just because you're young and healthy – genetics can play a significant role.
Preventing High Cholesterol
Maintaining high levels of good cholesterol and low levels of bad cholesterol will help stave off high cholesterol. Dr. Jaffy advises focusing on factors within your control, such as lifestyle choices: regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats, quitting smoking, and shedding excess weight (if necessary). For those with genetic high cholesterol, these lifestyle modifications may be less effective, but they're still crucial for overall health. If medication proves necessary, Jaffy reassures us that there are plenty of effective options on the market. Some people ask about natural supplements, but Jaffy warns they may come with risks and encourages seeking guidance from a physician before trying them.
The Takeaway
Having high cholesterol can lead to heart attack or stroke without showing symptoms, so routine check-ups are essential. When you receive your cholesterol results, consult with your doctor to understand the significance for you as an individual, factoring in your health habits and medical history. If high cholesterol is a concern, there are plenty of healthy lifestyle changes and medical treatments at your disposal.
- High levels of cholesterol in your blood vessels, aided by factors like age, diet, and smoking habits, can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, making it crucial to understand your cholesterol levels and maintain appropriate levels.
- Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDL), helps prevent arterial buildup by removing bad cholesterol from different parts of the body. A balanced diet rich in healthy fats found in foods like salmon, olive oil, and avocados can promote high levels of good cholesterol.
- The Mediterranean and DASH diets are effective in lowering bad cholesterol and boosting good cholesterol, providing a healthier balance for cardiovascular health.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats, quitting smoking, and shedding excess weight are essential lifestyle choices to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of high cholesterol, and promote overall health.
