High cholesterol has no symptoms, so you need to have a blood cholesterol test evaluated by a health care professional on a regular basis. Cholesterol levels can change over time, and cholesterol tests are usually ordered during your annual physical exam. When tests reveal that you have high or borderline-high levels, doctors advise treatment. Diet, exercise, and, if needed, cholesterol-lowering drugs can improve your cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Causes
Treatment for high cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Excess amounts of LDL cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol, accumulate in the bloodstream and form plaque in the arteries. This results in narrowing of the blood vessels, also called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, which slows blood flow to the heart, causing heart disease. If blood vessels become completely blocked, it causes heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol Tests
Blood cholesterol tests measure levels of LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, which are fats in the blood. HDL, known as the "good" cholesterol, protects you against heart disease by cleaning away excess cholesterol from your blood and arteries. Low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL support cardiovascular health. Total cholesterol represents the total cholesterol circulating in your blood. You need to pay attention to all of these levels to prevent or lower high cholesterol.
Normal and High Levels
Test results measure levels in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. Aim for total cholesterol levels less than 200 mg/dL, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. Levels measuring 200 to 239 mg/dL are borderline high, and levels of 240 mg/dL and above are considered high. Healthy LDL levels are less than 100 mg/dL, but levels from 100 to 129 mg/dL are considered near optimal. Borderline high LDL levels range from 130 to 159 mg/dL, high levels from 160 and 189 and very high levels are represented by results of 190 mg/dL and above. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or above provide protection against heart disease. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL are too low. Triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dL.
Risk Factors and Treatment
People at high risk for heart disease may need to keep their LDL levels below 100 or even 70 mg/dL. Risk factors include family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Risks increase over age 45 for men and over 55 for women. Doctors can advise you on lifestyle changes to improve cholesterol levels. Reducing saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet helps. Losing weight can lower LDL and raise HDL levels, so a low-fat, nutritious diet and exercise work together effectively to help you reach your goals. Doctors may prescribe medication to improve cholesterol levels if diet and lifestyle changes don't achieve the desired results.
