The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that approximately 16.3 percent of Americans have high cholesterol, a level that is 240 mg/dL or higher. As the American Heart Association points out, cholesterol in and of itself is not bad and is actually needed in the body to create hormones, cell walls and nerve sheaths. There is a delicate balancing act to maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Cholesterol
The two types of cholesterol that need balancing are high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. Cholesterol is made by the liver and also found in animal-based foods. HDL cholesterol is said to transport LDL back to the liver to be excreted from the body, according to the American Heart Association. If LDL levels are allowed to rise, cholesterol builds, clinging to the walls and narrowing the arteries. This can prevent oxygen from getting to the heart and brain.
Significance
LDL, according to the Heart Healthy Guide website, is the oxidized form of cholesterol. It carries fat and cholesterol and attaches itself to artery walls, becoming a hard plaque that narrows the arteries. A narrowing of the arteries inhibits blood to get to the heart and could result in a heart attack. Essentially, LDL levels should be as low as possible. Normal LDL levels can be up to 129 mg/dL but optimally should below 100 mg/dL.
Statistics
The CDC warns that people with high cholesterol are at a higher risk for heart disease. As of February 2010, about 1 in 6 individuals in the United States have high cholesterol, with a number over 240 mg/dL. The average level of cholesterol for American adults is 200 mg/dL, which is considered to be borderline high. More women than men are at risk for high cholesterol. Overall, Americans are more conscientious about cholesterol and are making progress in decreasing cholesterol levels.
Risk Factors
According to MayoClinic.com, risk factors for elevated LDL cholesterol levels include a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, age, heredity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Smoking increases the likelihood of fat accumulating in the arteries because it damages the blood vessel walls. Exercise will not only boost HDL levels, but it will also lower LDL levels.
Considerations
Contact your doctor if you are concerned about your cholesterol. Sometimes a lifestyle change does not sufficiently decrease cholesterol levels. There are medicines that are used to help facilitate lowering cholesterol levels. Statin drugs and nicotinic acid both lower LDL, and bile acid sequestrants help the body break down LDL. Some supplements such as artichoke, barley, garlic or oat bran can help you to achieve normal levels of LDL cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com, but always consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.
