Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States today, according to the National Library of Medicine. Heart problems also cause many patients to become chronically ill or disabled. Most often, the cause of heart disease is narrowing of the coronary arteries. This interferes with blood supply to the heart and ultimately leads to conditions such as chest pain or angina, heart failure or heart attack. Serious risk factors for coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise and high levels of blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat that is needed by cells of the body for renewal of cell membranes and for many chemical reactions. Cholesterol is also used to synthesize some important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. It travels in the blood attached to proteins in a complex called a lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is called bad cholesterol because extra LDL may form deposits called plaque that interfere with blood flow. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is good cholesterol because it removes extra cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver, where it is broken down.
LDL Levels
A blood test that checks the cholesterol level in a patient's blood provides information about the total level of cholesterol, the level of LDL, the level of HDL, and also the amount of triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood. According to MayoClinic.com, the desirable level for total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL and anything above 240 mg/dL is too high. The ideal range for LDL cholesterol is between 100 and 129 mg/dL, and anyone at risk for heart disease should aim for even lower levels. If a person's LDL level is above 160 mg/dL, it is considered too high.
HDL Levels
The level of HDL in the blood may also be an indicator of the risk of heart disease. Because it is good cholesterol, a higher level is considered beneficial. MayoClinic.com recommends that an HDL level above 60 mg/dL is best and it indicates that anything below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women is undesirable.
Managing Cholesterol With Lifestyle
A number of strategies may help lower the levels of total cholesterol and of LDL in particular. Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh foods and low in fat is a good starting point. Saturated fats such as those found in red meat and full-fat dairy products tend to raise LDL levels and should be avoided. Choosing unsaturated fats such as olive or peanut oil instead of butter or margarine may be helpful. Fresh vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber are also good choices; soluble fiber in particular may help lower LDL. Vegetables such as peas and beans and fruits such as bananas and apples are high in soluble fiber. Regular exercise may also improve cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com recommends gradually increasing exercise to 30 or 60 minutes daily. A doctor should always be consulted first to determine the appropriate level of activity.
Managing Cholesterol With Medication
A prescription drug called a statin is sometimes prescribed to help lower blood cholesterol. Statins block an enzyme in the liver used to make cholesterol, causing the level in the blood to drop. This often results in lower LDL and higher HDL, according to Medline Plus. Statins are safe for most patients, although they are not recommended for pregnant women or for anyone with liver disease. They may cause side effects that are mostly minor and include muscle pain or weakness and occasional gastric upset. However, side effects may occasionally be serious, so a patient taking a statin drug should always see a doctor regularly.
