In general, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can raise the risk of heart disease. However, the body needs some cholesterol to function normally and not all not all types of cholesterol are bad, in fact, having a high level of some types protects against heart disease. The first step in managing high cholesterol to protect against blocked arteries, is to have a health care provider test your cholesterol levels and devise a heart healthy plan, if needed.
Identification
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is both produced by the body and it is found in many foods. The body needs cholesterol to form cell membranes and produce some hormones, states the American Heart Association. Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood so it must be transported through the body on carriers. One carrier is low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which takes cholesterol and stores it in the body. The other carrier is high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, which helps excrete cholesterol. To prevent heart disease the goal is to keep LDL levels at 100 mg/dL or less and HDL levels at 60 mg/dL or higher.
Warnings
When the levels of LDL cholesterol get too high in the bloodstream it can build up along the blood vessel walls, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This plaque buildup can cause the blood vessels to become hard and narrow, clogging them. Over time this can lead to high blood pressure and reduced blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain. If the heart is deprived, a heart attack can occur; if the brain is affected, the result may be a stroke. Getting a simple blood test to determine cholesterol levels is important as high cholesterol does not usually cause any symptoms. A blood test can help to determine the level of total cholesterol, as well as LDL and HDL levels.
Benefits
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, all adults 20 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked every five years unless a doctor recommends testing it more often. Since HDL takes cholesterol from the body, keeping HDL levels high can help slow plaque buildup. Even if total cholesterol is high, the risk for heart disease may be low, if the level if LDL is low but HDL is high. In contrast, a high total cholesterol level that coexists with a high LDL level and low HDL level, indicates a greater risk for arterial disease.
Solution
To help reduce the risk of clogged arteries adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends losing excess weight and keeping waist measurement under 40 inches for men and under 35 inches for non-pregnant women. Dietary cholesterol intake should not exceed 300 mg daily and some patients may need to go even lower. Regular aerobic type exercise and eating a diet high in fiber, can both help to lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels. Fat intake should come mostly from unsaturated fats and saturated and trans fats should be limited. Consuming foods such as some types of margarine that contain plant sterols or stanol esters, can also play a role in managing cholesterol. For some patients, lifestyle changes alone are not enough and medications may be needed.
