Heart disease is usually a result of high cholesterol, according to Massachusetts General Hospital. Because more Americans die each year from heart disease than any other cause, high cholesterol needs to be treated to limit the risk of developing heart disease. This generally means lowering total and LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that feed the heart, bringing it vital blood and oxygen. Plaque forms from the extra fat and cholesterol that is consumed in the diet and not used by the body. Over time, the plaque buildup can block arteries entirely or narrow them so much that blood clots block the arteries and cause a heart attack.
Cholesterol Targets
To limit the risk of developing heart disease, LDL cholesterol, which is considered bad cholesterol, should be lower than 130 mg/dL for most people and lower than 70 mg/dL for people at high risk of developing heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL, with HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, preferably above 60 mg/dL.
HDL Cholesterol Importance
While LDL cholesterol increases the risk of developing heart disease, HDL cholesterol lessens the risk of developing this condition. Consuming saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol, but if people replace these with unsaturated fats, they can increase their HDL cholesterol instead. Other ways to increase HDL cholesterol include losing extra weight, increasing aerobic exercise and stopping smoking, as well as taking certain cholesterol medications as a last resort.
Considerations
Cholesterol is not the only contributing factor to heart disease risk. Other risk factors include having diabetes, being overweight or obese, smoking, having high blood pressure, not exercising and eating too much saturated fat, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.
Expert Insight
Exercising at least half an hour per day, losing weight, stopping smoking, eating fewer animal products high in cholesterol and saturated fat, and eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains high in soluble fiber can help to lower high cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. If these actions alone do not lower cholesterol enough, medication may be needed.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: CHD Explained
- Massachusetts General Hospital: Coronary Heart Disease
- Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati: Triglycerides, Low HDL Cholesterol, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke and Pancreatitis--Diagnosis and Therapy
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol Levels--What Numbers Should You Aim For?
