High cholesterol is one of the many risk factors of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can impair cardiovascular health, warns the American Heart Association. The first step to controlling your cholesterol is to learn your levels. You can then use this information to make good choices in your diet and lifestyle.
Testing
Cholesterol testing involves a blood test to measure blood fat content. A complete test includes a lipid panel, explains MayoClinic.com. This test measures cholesterol as well as triglycerides in your blood. The National Institutes of Health recommend that your cholesterol be tested every five years after your initial test, usually between 20 and 35 years of age. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings if you have any of the risk factors associated with high cholesterol, including family history of high cholesterol and existing heart disease or diabetes.
Goals
To figure your cholesterol, you will first consider the numbers. The goal for healthy cholesterol levels is below 200 mg per deciliter, or mg/dL, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. You can further break this figure down into its smaller components of high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins. HDL describes the good types of cholesterol. Cholesterol serves vital functions in the body, including calcium absorption. LDL refers to the bad type of cholesterol, which can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. A good HDL level is 60 mg/dL and above. A good LDL level is below 70 mg/dL, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Effects
Several factors can increase your risk for developing high cholesterol. A diet high in fat combined with a sedentary lifestyle can increase your blood cholesterol levels. The danger of high cholesterol is that it can lead to atherosclerosis or clogged arteries. The buildup of plaque inside the blood vessels reduces their capacity to deliver oxygenated blood to cells and body tissues. If flow is impeded to the heart, it can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Benefits
The benefit of monitoring your cholesterol is giving you the power to reduce your controllable health risks. You may not know that you have a cholesterol issue because its symptoms are often vague or unnoticeable. Taking the time to figure your cholesterol can identify a problem before it causes serious tissue damage.
Prevention/Solution
You can take several steps to control your cholesterol. You can begin with a healthy lifestyle, which includes frequent exercise and a good diet. These actions can help your lower your cholesterol and lose weight, which can cause added strain on your heart. MayoClinic.com recommends that your diet include plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and omega-3 rich foods. In this way, you can naturally keep your cholesterol in check.
