High cholesterol affects 1 in 6 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have high cholesterol, you are at an increased risk for heart disease, which is the No. 1 cause of death for Americans. Your doctor may advise you to adjust your diet if you have high cholesterol or if you have other factors that increase your risk for heart disease. Know your risk factors and how to protect your heart through following a low-cholesterol diet.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body generates to assist with hormone production. Dietary cholesterol is also present in animal products. Cholesterol travels through your body in your blood vessels, and, due to its waxy nature, can stick to the walls of the your blood vessels. Cholesterol can build up and form plaques that block your blood vessels, preventing blood flow. This results in tissue damage or cell death.
High Blood Cholesterol
When your doctor tests your cholesterol level, she looks at three types of cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins are considered a heart-healthy type of blood cholesterol and should be 60 mg/dL or greater. Low-density lipoproteins are harmful to your health and should ideally be less than 129 mg/dL. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may set your LDL goal number lower. Your triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL.
Other Risk Factors
Your age, weight and the presence of other medical problems can directly increase your risk of heart disease, and if you have certain health problems or habits, your doctor may advise you to follow a low-cholesterol diet even if your blood cholesterol levels would be considered ideal for someone else. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, obesity, diabetes or a family history of high blood cholesterol.
Low Cholesterol Diet
If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, following a low-cholesterol diet may reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Consume the correct number of calories to lose weight safely if you are overweight or to maintain a healthy weight. Plan your diet so only 25 to 35 percent of your daily calories come from fat, and limit saturated fats, such as the fat in meat, cream and cheese, to only 7 percent of your daily calorie intake. Foods from plant sources are free from cholesterol, so build your diet on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. A high-fiber diet can reduce your blood cholesterol.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; High Cholesterol: Understand Your Risks; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Cholesterol Levels: What Numbers Should You Aim For?; June 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cholesterol; Risk Factors; February 2010
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes
