USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body.
It is used to help digest fats, strengthen cell membranes and make hormones.
Although cholesterol serves many important functions in the body, too much
cholesterol in the blood can be dangerous. That’s because excess
cholesterol can clog coronary (heart) arteries, making it hard for blood
to bring in oxygen and nutrients. And if an artery becomes completely
blocked, blood flow stops and a heart attack may occur. Over half
of all American adults have cholesterol levels that are too high.
The bloodstream transports cholesterol throughout the body by special
carriers called lipoproteins. The two major lipopro-teins are low
density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).
LDL - The "BAD" Cholesterol - LDL
is the major cholesterol carrier found in the blood. It carries cholesterol
to the tissues of the body including the arteries. LDL combines with
other substances and sticks to the walls of arteries, forming plague.
Thus, a high level of LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease.
HDL - The "GOOD" Cholesterol - HDL
contains relatively small amount of cholesterol itself and carries away
harmful fatty deposits from cells and tissues to the liver for excretion
from the body. This helps to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in
the walls of your arteries. If your level of HDL cholesterol is too
low, your risk of heart disease actually increases.
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Do I have high cholesterol?
A simple blood test will screen for your levels of cholesterol. It
will tell you how much LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol you have in your
blood.
In general, you should start having your cholesterol level checked at
least once every five years starting when you are about 20 years old.
Children as young as two years old may need to have their cholesterol checked
if a close relative, such as parent or grandparent, had heart disease before
age 55, or if a close relative has high cholesterol. Talk to your
family doctor about how often you need to be tested.
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What do my test results mean?
Ideally, your total blood cholesterol level should be below 200.
Levels of 200 to 239 are considered "borderline," while levels above 240
are considered "high," meaning you have an increase risk of heart disease.
HDL and LDL are also important. If your total cholesterol level
is high because of a high LDL level, you may have a higher risk for heart
disease or stroke. If your total level is high only because of a
high HDL level, you probably do not have an increased risk of heart disease.
An LDL cholesterol level of less that 130 is desirable.
An LDL level of 160 or higher means you have an increased
risk for heart disease. An HDL cholesterol
level of less than 35 puts you at higher risk for heart disease,
while an HDL level of 60 or above reduces your risk.
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How can I improve my LDL cholesterol level?
Follow a low fat, low cholesterol diet. The American Heart Association
recommends that no more than 30% of your total calorie intake be from fat.
Here are some tips on eating smart:
-
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
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Choose broiled or grilled fish and skinless chicken instead of red meat.
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Reduce saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat is found in butter,
whole milk, ice cream, cheese, red meat and coconut oil, and "hydrogenated"
vegetable oil to name a few.
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Be careful when the food label reads "No Fat" - the product may still contain
cholesterol. Be a "Label Reader."
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Limit high cholesterol foods, like egg yolks and organ meats (liver, brains,
and kidney).
-
Use low fat dairy products, like skim milk, no-fat yogurt and ice milk
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Avoid eating fried foods.
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Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods, like oats, whole-grain breads and apples.
Fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels.
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How do I improve my HDL cholesterol?
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Physical activity, for example aerobic exercise for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times
per week may raise your HDL cholesterol.
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Quitting smoking (if you smoke),and
-
losing weight (if you’re overweight) are also important ways to raise your
HDL cholesterol.
Your best bet for keeping your levels of both LDL and HDL cholesterol balanced
is to develop a life-style that includes both a low fat diet and an ongoing
exercise program that you enjoy.
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What if changing my diet and exercising isn’t enough?
If eating healthy, exercising and making other life changes, such as stopping
smoking, do not adequately control your cholesterol levels after about
6 months, your doctor may want to discuss using medicine to lower your
cholesterol level. If so, please follow all instructions and continue
to stick with your diet and exercise plan. Weight loss and exercise
will often lower your LDL cholesterol enough that you may be taken off
medication. This is important because, as with all medications, certain
side effects may occur.
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Putting it all together.
Besides high cholesterol, there are other conditions or behaviors, called
"risk factors," that are strongly related to an increased incidence of
heart disease. Your doctor looks at all your risk factors to decide
what you need to do to lower your blood cholesterol and reduce your risk
of heart disease.
Take this simple test and ask your doctor to help determine your risk
of heart disease.
|
Did your father, brother, or son have a heart attack before the
age of 55 or mother, sister, or daughter before the age of 65?
|
Yes |
No
|
|
Are you a man age > 45
|
Yes
|
No
|
Are you a woman age 55 or older,
or past menopause?
|
Yes
|
No
|
| Have you ever been told by your doctor that your HDL cholesterol
was too low? |
Yes
|
No
|
| Have you ever been told by your doctor that you had high blood pressure? |
Yes
|
No
|
|
Do you smoke cigarettes?
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Do you have diabetes?
|
Yes
|
No
|
If you answer "YES" to any question, it means that you have that risk factor.
|
Your total number of "YES" answers and risk factors
|
|
This information provides a general overview on lowering cholesterol
levels and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this information
applies to you and to get fore information on this subject, talk to your
family doctor.