The concentrations and types of lipids in your blood can affect your risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The amount of cholesterol you consume affects your lipid levels, but high carbohydrate intake can also lead to poor lipid levels. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, limiting the amount of carbohydrates and cholesterol you consume is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
One of the reasons why your cholesterol levels are so important for your cardiovascular health is its role in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is caused by cholesterol in the blood accumulating in the walls of the arteries, which makes the arteries stiff and narrow. Atherosclerosis increases your blood pressure and the cholesterol filled masses, known as plaques, can break off and cause blood clots, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. Atherosclerosis can affect the small arteries which supply blood to the heart and brain, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Carbohydrates and Atherosclerosis
A diet which is high in carbohydrates can also contribute to your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. When you eat a lot of carbohydrates, your body increases the glucose in your blood. If you don't use all of the glucose, the excess energy is converted into a type of lipid known as a triglyceride, which is then stored in fat tissue. High amounts of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Measurements
If you want to know what your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are, you'll need a blood test known as a lipid profile, which measures the concentrations of these lipids in terms of milligrams per deciliter of blood. Healthy triglyceride levels are below 150 mg per dL, and between 150 and 199 mg per dL is borderline high, the American Heart Association explains. Levels above that are classified as high. Similarly, a healthy cholesterol level is less than 200 mg per dL; between 200 and 239 mg per dL is borderline high and anything above that is high.
Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease
One important step to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels is to consume fewer calories, particularly calories from carbohydrates. Consuming too many calories and being overweight will increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Getting more exercise and eating at least two servings of fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines and herring, will also lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. If reducing your cholesterol and carbohydrate intake isn't sufficient to get your lipid levels down to acceptable levels, medications such as niacin, fibrates and statins may help.
