Cholesterol is a substance found in the fats in your blood and is needed to build healthy cells. Although some cholesterol is required to maintain good health, too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, also known as the "bad" cholesterol; and HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, also known as the "good" cholesterol.
LDL Versus HDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol particles through your body while circulating in your blood. Too much LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and form plaque--a substance that can make your arteries hard and narrow, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. HDL cholesterol carries excess cholesterol particles away from your arteries and back to your liver. It is then passed from the body.
LDL and HDL Cholesterol Levels
According to MayoClinic.com, it is recommended that you have your cholesterol checked every five years starting at 20 years of age, and more frequently if there are problems or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking or obesity. The average adult should aim for <100 mg/dL for LDL cholesterol, and ≥60 mg/dL for HDL cholesterol. Your total cholesterol level should be <200 mg/dL.
Controlling Your Cholesterol Levels
Various factors can contribute to a high cholesterol level and some are controlled by your daily lifestyle: smoking, lack of exercise and eating foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fats. Other factors play a role in increasing your LDL cholesterol, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. To lower your cholesterol, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; get plenty of exercise; lose weight, if necessary; and if you smoke, quit.
Complications Caused by High Cholesterol
According to MayoClinic.com, high cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of cholesterol on your artery walls. This can cause a decrease in the flow of blood through your arteries, increasing the risk for other complications: such as angina, or chest pain; heart attack, due to a blocked artery leading to your heart; or stroke, due to a blocked artery leading to your brain.
Medical Treatments for High Cholesterol
If you have made changes to your lifestyle and your cholesterol level continues to remain high, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your cholesterol, particularly your LDL. Statins, medications that cause your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood, are often prescribed to lower cholesterol. Other medications include bile acid-binding resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors or a combination of a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and statin. If your cholesterol level is high, discuss lifestyle changes and medication options with your doctor.
