UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHOLESTEROL:

Why Do I Need To Be Concerned About Cholesterol: “High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease. When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.” (Source: American Heart Association)

Who should get it? The CDC recommends that all girls between the ages of 12 and 13 get an HPV Vaccine. Or for women up to the age of 26 who have not yet been vaccinated.

What do my cholesterol numbers mean?If your total cholesterol is:

• 200 or less, your cholesterol levels are normal
• 200 to 239, your cholesterol is borderline high
• 240 or more, your cholesterol is too high

However, cholesterol is broken down into “good” and “bad” cholesterol. HDL (“good”) cholesterol serves to protect the heart. Levels above 40 are considered normal, with targets of approx 60 and above considered ideal. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is harmful. Normal levels are below 100, 100-130 borderline high, and above 130 abnormal with higher risk of heart disease. Finally, a “bad” type of lipid are triglycerides, which may also lead to atherosclerosis. Levels above 150 are abnormal.

How often should I have my levels checked? Adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked once every 1-3 years. You may need to have your cholesterol checked more often if one or more of these situations applies to you:

• Your cholesterol levels are high.
• You are a man over age 45 or a woman over age 50.
• Your HDL (good) cholesterol is less than 40
• You have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as smoking or family history of heart disease

How does exercise affect my cholesterol levels? “For some people, regular physical activity affects blood cholesterol level by increasing the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. A higher HDL level is linked with a lower risk of heart disease.” (Source: American Heart Association)

What type of foods should I eat? “Some cholesterol is made by your body. The food you eat is responsible for the rest. Food products from animals contain cholesterol — including meats, poultry, shellfish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole or 2 percent milk. And any type of food can also contain saturated fats and trans fats, which cause your body to make more cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that you keep your intake of total fat to between 25 percent and 35 percent, your saturated fat consumption to less than 7 percent and your intake of trans fat to less than 1 percent of your total daily calories. At the same time, limit your intake of cholesterol from food to less than 300 mg per day. People with high LDL (bad) blood cholesterol levels or who are taking cholesterol medication should consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day. Eat at least 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day — preferably from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. But a heart-healthy diet isn't just about what you shouldn't eat. It also means eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, with whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats and poultry, fish at least twice a week, and fat-free or 1 percent fat dairy products. Also, the diet should be low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.” (Source: American Heart Association).

Will I need cholesterol-lowering medicine? Your doctor will need to determine whether or not you need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

This article has been brought to you by: Woodbury Medical Group. WMG provides both urgent and primary care to patients in the Irvine area. Featuring Hoag-affiliated Board-Certified family physicians, who each bring with them a remarkable education, experience and track record, the doctors provide complete and comprehensive care, serving all ages and health concerns. Conveniently located in the Woodbury Center at the corner of Irvine Boulevard and Sand Canyon, WMG has been delivering award-winning medical care since it opened its doors in January 2007. The WMG provides family medicine and urgent care services to the communities of Woodbury, Northwood, Orchard Hills, Great Park, Woodbridge and Portola Springs. For more information, please visit www.woodburymedical.com.

[ << Back to Health Center Main Page << ] [ >> Do You Need a Multi-Vitamin? >> ]