Cholesterol is an important factor when it comes to overall health and wellness, but what exactly is it? September marks National Cholesterol Education Month, which is a perfect time to answer this question and understand how it affects health.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the body uses to make hormones and digest fatty foods. It comes from two sources. One of these sources is the liver. This organ naturally makes all the cholesterol it needs to function properly. The other source is animal foods and is known as dietary cholesterol. It is found in egg yolks, fatty meats and cheese.
While the body needs cholesterol to function properly, too much can cause a build-up of deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 102 million American adults age 20 and older have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which puts them above healthy levels. More than 35 million people in this group are at high risk for heart disease with levels of 240 mg/dL or higher.
High cholesterol can be especially challenging because it is typically present without any symptoms and can go undiagnosed for years. Fortunately, a simple blood test can be performed to check cholesterol levels. For young adults having their first screening, a medical provider will often obtain a baseline cholesterol profile. After a first baseline screening, screening frequency depends on individual levels of risk for heart disease.
For those at higher risk for heart issues due to hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use or family history of premature heart disease, a follow-up cholesterol screening is recommended between the ages of 25 and 30 for men and 30 and 35 years of age for women (or more frequently depending on degree of risk).
For those at lower risk for heart issues, a follow-up screening is suggested at age 35 for men and age 45 for women.
From that point, it is recommended that cholesterol be tested every five years. If one is at higher risk for heart disease, a provider may increase the screening frequency.
Adding to the confusion of cholesterol is the different types of lipoproteins associated with the subject. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream on lipoproteins. When cholesterol is checked, the medical provider will look at two different lipoprotein numbers – LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
LDL is often known as “bad” cholesterol and is the type that accounts for most of the body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and puts an individual at greater risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL is commonly called “good” cholesterol. These proteins take cholesterol out of the arteries and back to the liver where it is then flushed out of the body. High levels of “good” HDL cholesterol can lower one’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
While high cholesterol is all too common, the good news is that it is quite treatable through simple life-style changes or prescribed cholesterol-reducing medication. Healthy life-style habits that can help one achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels include: eating a healthy diet, incorporating regular physical activity into daily routine, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and limiting the intake of alcoholic beverages.
Colorado Plains Medical Center can assist individuals with cholesterol screenings and determine the most effective cholesterol management plan to take. To learn more or to schedule a screening with a provider, call its toll-free number at 1-800-424-DOCS (1-800-424-3627) or visit the Find a Doctor tab at www.ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com.
