Although cholesterol is commonly associated with negative health implications, it actually plays a number of important roles in the body. Cholesterol acts as a precursor for bile acids, vitamin D, estrogen and testosterone, as well as makes up part of the structure of cell membranes, according to "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake. Too much cholesterol, also referred to as hyperlipidemia, can lead to the development of plaque on the arteries and increased risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol Numbers
Cholesterol testing is usually done as a part of a lipid profile, which includes values for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, the desirable level for total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL of blood. When total cholesterol reaches 200 to 239 mg/dL, it is considered borderline high, and when it accumulates to 240 mg/dL or greater, it is considered high. Ideally, LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL, but values between 100 and 129 mg/dL are considered near optimal. When levels reach 130 to 159 mg/dL, they are considered borderline high. LDL levels between 160 and 189 mg/dL are high, and levels 190 mg/dL and above are considered very high. HDL cholesterol is actually considered protective against heart disease, so the goal with HDL cholesterol is to get your number as high as possible. HDL cholesterol values less than 40 mg/dL put you at risk for heart disease, whereas HDL values 60 mg/dL or above are considered protective against heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Risk Factors for Hyperlipidemia
Some of the most common causes of hyperlipidemia are factors that are within your control. Excess weight, diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol, excess alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking all contribute to the development of hyperlipidemia. Factors that are not in your control, such as family history of hyperlipidemia, age and sex, also contribute to the development of high cholesterol.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
One of the most important steps you can take in treating hyperlipidemia is making several diet and lifestyle changes. You should focus on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy and significantly reduce saturated fat and trans fat from the diet. You should also aim to keep your dietary cholesterol intake below 300 mg per day. In addition to changing your diet, you should also aim to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. Exercise not only helps you reduce LDL cholesterol but also helps increase HDL cholesterol. It is also important to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Medical Treatment
If diet and lifestyle changes are not successful in treating your hyperlipidemia, medications to lower cholesterol levels are available. One of the most popular types of cholesterol medication is called a statin. Statins work by blocking a substance in the liver that is required for cholesterol synthesis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other classes of medications that are often used in the treatment of hyperlipidema include cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile-acid-binding resins, fibrates and niacin.
Complications
If left untreated, hyperlipidemia can lead to heart attack or stroke. The high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can cause the accumulation of plaque, which can hinder normal blood flow. If this blockage affects blood flow to the heart, a heart attack may occur. If the blockage affects blood flow to the brain, a stroke may occur.
