Physicians use cholesterol levels and other factors to assess risk for developing cardiovascular disease. More than 102 million adults in the United States suffer from elevated cholesterol levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only 35 million of these Americans have cholesterol levels high enough to put them at risk for developing heart disease. While mildly elevated cholesterol does not put you at significant risk for cardiovascular disease, it is still important to recognize and treat this condition.
Identification
Total cholesterol that is higher than 200 mg/dL but below 239 is mildly elevated with higher numbers nearing borderline high. Your physician may request you have a lipid profile performed to get a more detailed measurement of the different types of blood cholesterol to help her determine why your cholesterol is elevated. Mildly elevated or high cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to identify elevated cholesterol. A person older than 20 should have his cholesterol checked every five years. He should have his cholesterol checked more often if it is high.
Causes
You can inherit high cholesterol but it is usually preventable and treatable. Eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol is the main reason for high cholesterol. Foods that come from animals like meat, eggs and dairy are sources of saturated fats. Cholesterol comes only from animal products. Inactivity and obesity also raise cholesterol levels.
Risks
Mildly elevated cholesterol levels can be a sign of increased risk for developing serious medical conditions. Excess cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream and accumulates inside blood vessel walls. This accumulation leads to heart disease.
Theories
A study by Kaiser Permanente linked mildly elevated cholesterol levels in midlife with Alzheimer's in later years. Earlier studies showed adults in their 40s with cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL had increased risk for developing the disease in their senior years. The Kaiser Permanente study shows cholesterol levels as low as 220 mg/dL increases risk for Alzheimer's.
Treatment
Treatment consists of a diet low in fat and cholesterol, along with weight loss and lifestyle changes including smoking cessation, decreasing alcohol consumption and increased activity level. Mildly elevated cholesterol does not usually warrant prescription medicines like niacin or statins unless dietary and lifestyle changes do not decrease blood cholesterol.
