Cholesterol is a waxy steroid compound found in all cells of the body and in the blood. Although the body requires cholesterol for important healthy functions like strengthening cell membranes and helping to make hormones, bile and vitamin D, having too much cholesterol can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Symptoms of high cholesterol may not be readily apparent, so for a healthy heart, have your cholesterol levels tested periodically and follow a health plan to lower a high cholesterol count.
History
Public awareness of cholesterol issues has increased significantly since the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute launched a campaign called the National Cholesterol Education Program in 1985. The goal of public cholesterol education is to reduce the percentage of Americans with high blood cholesterol that contributes to illness and death from coronary heart disease.
Risks
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute more than a million Americans suffer heart attacks each year and half a million die from heart disease. A person with high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, can lower their cholesterol level with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication thereby lowering the chance of heart disease or attack.
Testing
The American Heart Association endorses the guidelines set forth by the National Cholesterol Education Program for detecting high cholesterol. Total cholesterol testing can involve only a finger prick for a small blood sample but a complete blood lipid profile to determine the level of HDL and LDL requires a blood draw performed after a nine- to 12-hour fast. The test report shows cholesterol levels measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. Adults should test cholesterol every five years.
Total Cholesterol
A desirable level of total cholesterol measures less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood. If total cholesterol falls between 200 milligrams to 239 milligrams per deciliter, the doctor will likely order a further test to look at HDL and LDL for this borderline high total cholesterol reading.
People who have a high total cholesterol of 240 milligrams or higher per deciliter have twice the risk of heart disease as someone in the desirable range for total cholesterol. The doctor should test HDL and LDL to determine a treatment plan which may include medication in addition to a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity. Avoid tobacco smoke.
HDL
HDL or high density lipoprotein carries cholesterol back to the liver for disposal. Since it takes cholesterol out of circulation people often refer to HDL as good cholesterol. HDL levels above 60 milligrams per deciliter provide protection against heart disease. Levels below 40 milligrams per deciliter for men and less than 50 milligrams for women represents a heart risk.
LDL
LDL or low density lipoprotein carries cholesterol to every cell of the body. Since it puts more cholesterol in circulation people refer to LDL as bad cholesterol. The lower the LDL level the lower the risk of heart disease and attack. To raise LDL avoid tobacco smoke, exercise regularly, limit saturated fat and dietary cholesterol and stay at a healthy weight.
LDL cholesterol levels by category include optimal: less than 100 milligrams per deciliter; near optimal: 100 to 129 milligrams; borderline high: 130 to 159 milligrams; high: 160 to 189 milligrams per deciliter; and very high: 190 milligrams or more of cholesterol per deciliter of blood.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: High Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol: Learn Your Levels
- NHLBI: Do You Know Your Cholesterol Levels?
- "Understanding Nutrition, Ninth Edition", Eleanor Noss Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes (2002).
