Cholesterol in
the Blood
Facts about cholesterol:
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your
body. It aids in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. The
cholesterol in your blood comes from two sources: the foods you eat and your liver.
However, your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.
Cholesterol, and other fats, are transported in your blood stream
in the form of spherical particles called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known
lipoproteins are LDL, low-density lipoproteins and HDL, high-density lipoproteins.
What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol?
This type of cholesterol is commonly called the
“bad” cholesterol, and is a type of fat in the blood that
contains the most cholesterol. It can contribute to the formation of plaque buildup in the
arteries, known as atherosclerosis.
You want your LDL to be low.To
help lower it:
- avoid foods high in saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and excess
calories
- maintain a healthy weight
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What is HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol?
This type of cholesterol is known as the “good”
cholesterol, and is a type of fat in the blood that helps to remove cholesterol from the
blood, preventing the fatty buildup and formation of plaque.
You want your HDL to be as high as
possible.Some people can raise HDL by:
- exercising for at least 20 minutes three times a week
- kicking the cigarette habit
- avoiding saturated fat intake
For others, medicine may be needed. Because raising HDL is
complicated, work with your physician on a therapeutic plan. |
Checking your blood cholesterol level:
A cholesterol screening is an overall look at, or profile of, the fats in your blood.
Screenings help identify people at risk of heart disease. It is important to have what is
called a full lipid profile to show the actual levels of each type of fat in your blood:
LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and others. Consult your physician regarding the timeliness of
this test.
What is a healthy blood cholesterol level?
High blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor in heart disease. Lowering blood
cholesterol through increased physical activity, weight loss, smoking cessation, and
proper diet lowers that risk. However, blood cholesterol is very specific to each
individual and, for that reason, a full lipid profile is an important part of your medical
history and important information for your physician to have. In general, healthy levels
are as follows:
LDL - less than 130 milligrams
HDL - less than 35 milligrams puts you at higher risk for heart
disease
A total cholesterol level below 200 is considered desirable
Statistics about cholesterol:
Elevated cholesterol is a risk for many Americans. Consider these statistics:
- About 30 percent of Americans have total cholesterol levels
between 200 and 239, which is considered borderline high risk.
- More than 25 percent of the adult U.S. population has blood
cholesterol levels greater than 240, which is considered high risk.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are another class of fat found in the bloodstream. The bulk of your
body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides.
Triglyceride levels and heart disease:
The link between triglycerides and heart disease is under clinical investigation. However,
many people with high triglycerides also have other risk factors such as high LDL levels
or low HDL levels.
What causes elevated triglyceride levels?
Elevated triglyceride levels may be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes,
hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or liver disease. Dietary causes of elevated triglyceride
levels may include obesity and high intakes of fat, alcohol, and concentrated sweets.
- A healthy triglyceride level is less than 150 mg.
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