Cholesterol levels are regularly tested by your primary doctor to determine your risk for heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL, or good, cholesterol and LDL, or bad, cholesterol. LDL cholesterol blocks your arteries with fat, while HDL cholesterol helps prevent the buildup of LDL cholesterol. Certain factors, such as your weight, can help you and your physician determine whether you are at risk of having cholesterol problems.
Ideal Levels
Ideally, your LDL cholesterol levels should be low and your HDL cholesterol levels should be high at the same time. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, an optimal LDL level is 100 mg/dL, while a dangerous level is 160 mg/dL and above. In most cases, your physician will conduct a total cholesterol test. In such a case, your blood is tested for LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. The NHLBI reports that an ideal total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL, and levels above this number can lead to health problems.
Effects on Weight
Increased LDL and triglyceride levels do not cause you to gain weight. On the contrary, the NHLBI points out that being overweight can increase bad cholesterol levels, while lowering HDL cholesterol levels. Losing weight is essential, especially if you have attributed high LDL cholesterol levels. According to MayoClinic.com, five to 10 pounds of body weight lost can lower cholesterol. The NHLBI explains that you are at risk of obesity and potential cholesterol problems if you are woman with a waist size of over 35 inches or a man with a waist size of over 40 inches.
Lifestyle Changes
A nutritional diet and exercise are equally important methods of weight loss and cholesterol control. The NHLBI reports that regular exercise of at least 30-minute intervals reduces LDL cholesterol and promotes HDL cholesterol in the blood. Certain foods increase heart-healthy HDL cholesterol levels. According to MayoClinic.com, such foods include salmon, herring, mackerel, almonds, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. MayoClinic.com also recommends that you reduce the amount of cholesterol and trans fatty acids in your diet and opt for monounsaturated fats instead.
Medical Treatments
In some cases, lifestyle changes do not impact your cholesterol levels alone. This is common if your cholesterol problems are attributed to your genes. Your doctor may prescribe medications that help reduce LDL cholesterol in your blood. Some medications may even promote HDL levels. MayoClinic.com cautions, however, that you should not rely on medications as your sole cholesterol treatment and that you continue to eat a sensible diet and exercise regularly.
Considerations
According to the NHLBI, your cholesterol levels naturally change. Typically, your LDL levels increase and your HDL levels decrease. This can happen even if you are at a healthy weight, and especially if you have a family history of cholesterol problems. It is vital that you keep your cholesterol levels in control by changing your lifestyle habits and using prescribed medications from a doctor. Failure to do so can lead to heart disease.
