Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, with approximately 2,300 deaths every day, according to the American Heart Association. A high level of cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes and medications can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent complications.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a sterol, a white, crystalline substance that is important for a variety of bodily processes and structures, such as cell membranes. The majority of cholesterol is produced by the body, but 25 percent comes from food, according to the American Heart Association. Total cholesterol values are composed of HDL, LDL and triglycerides. HDL is referred to as good cholesterol, LDL is bad cholesterol and triglycerides are a form of fat. HDL is protective against heart disease, while LDL contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
Classes of medications prescribed to lower cholesterol include statins, resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates and niacin. Statins work in the liver and prevent cholesterol formation. They are most effective in lowering LDL levels while modestly increasing HDL and lowering triglycerides. Resins bind bile, a substance in the body made from cholesterol, which in turn lowers cholesterol because it is used up to make more bile, according to the American Heart Association. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol and are most effective in lowering LDL levels. Fibrates and niacin affect fat production and are effective in lowering triglyceride levels and modestly raising HDL levels.
Lifestyle Changes
Cholesterol levels are modifiable through lifestyle changes to diet, exercise and smoking habits. Dietary choices greatly affect the levels of cholesterol in the body. Dietary cholesterol is only found in certain animal products and avoiding high cholesterol foods such as beef, pork and whole milk can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as sticking to lean meats and fat-free or 1 percent dairy products. The American Heart Association also recommends quitting smoking, exercising at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week and maintaining a healthy weight.
Know Your Fats
Fat is an important component of any diet, but consuming too much, especially unhealthy fats, can raise cholesterol levels. Unhealthy fats such as saturated fats and trans-fatty acids raise cholesterol levels, while the healthier unsaturated fats do not raise LDL. The American Heart Association suggests limiting total fat intake to no more than 35 percent of total calories. Saturated fat and trans-fatty acids should be consumed in minor amounts and unsaturated fat should come from nuts and seeds, fish and vegetable oils.
Cholesterol Guidelines
Cholesterol levels in the body are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood and are given as whole numbers for total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Triglycerides also are often measured with cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association's guidelines for cholesterol levels include a total cholesterol value under 200, HDL greater than 40 and LDL less than 100. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg per deciliter of blood. Dietary cholesterol intake should be less than 300 mg per day and less than 200 mg per day for people with coronary artery disease or LDL levels above 100.
