As you or a loved one age, you need to be aware of health problems and conditions that can lead to further complications. High levels of cholesterol in your blood are a risk factor that can lead to chronic illness like heart disease at any age. High cholesterol can be prevented and managed with appropriate diet and exercise habits.
What is Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance that is in the foods you eat. It is also a substance that is made by your body when you eat saturated fat. Cholesterol is used by your body to repair cell membranes and is also used in the production of hormones and other chemicals in the body. According to MedlinePlus, your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older and this is related to your diet and your exercise habits as well as the normal process of aging.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Because cholesterol is made by your body and used in many body functions, it is beneficial to have cholesterol in your blood. However, if your levels get too high for a long period of time, the cholesterol can turn to plaque and clog your arteries. This can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other forms of heart disease. As you age, you need to make sure that you engage in healthy lifestyle habits, which can help prevent heart disease and other forms of chronic illness.
Cholesterol Test
High cholesterol levels do not have symptoms; the only way to truly know if your levels are too high is to have a cholesterol test. A blood test can determine how much of each type of cholesterol is in your blood. Four numbers are commonly checked -- total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In general, you want to have low levels of LDL and triglycerides and a total cholesterol reading less than 200 mg/dL. HDL levels are more desirable the higher they are because higher levels lower your risk for heart disease, which is especially important for older individuals who are at a higher risk for heart disease.
Considerations
If you are concerned that you may have high cholesterol or you want to prevent or manage your condition, talk to your doctor and engage in healthy lifestyle habits to lower your risk for heart disease and other chronic illness. A healthy diet should be followed that avoids saturated fat, trans fat and processed food but includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Your doctor can direct you to a dietitian who can create a healthy meal plan for you to lower your cholesterol numbers. Controlling cholesterol is important for everyone, but the older you become, the more important it is that you take a proactive role in managing your cholesterol levels by getting a cholesterol test and living a lifestyle that lowers your risk of heart disease.
