Having high cholesterol can be detrimental to your health. While high cholesterol itself is not heart disease, it is a major risk factor of the condition, explains the American Heart Association. Have your cholesterol checked every five years, or more frequently if you have a family history of high cholesterol. Your doctor can detect early warning signs of out-of-control cholesterol levels and help you correct the problem before it leads to heart disease.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, or CHD, is a disorder of blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, explains the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Heart attacks occur when the arteries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart become blocked. If severe, your heart may stop beating and oxygen transport ceases. When this occurs, tissues throughout your body, including the brain, stop getting essential oxygen and begin to die. Heart disease can be hereditary, but your lifestyle may also effect your risk factors. Obesity, poor diet, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol can all increase your risk of heart disease.
Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Lower your risk of heart disease by keeping your cholesterol in healthy ranges. Your total cholesterol should fall below 200 mg/dL for optimal heart health. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the "bad" cholesterol that clogs arteries and increases your chances of having heart disease. "Good" HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, works to rid your body of excess LDL cholesterol. Your LDL should be below 100 mg/dL, while your HDL should be above 60 mg/dL.
Additional Risks
High cholesterol increases your chances of developing heart disease by hardening arteries. Normally, arteries and veins are pliable and can stretch easily. Hardening of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. When too much cholesterol travels through the bloodstream, it builds up on artery walls, not only making them stiff, but also narrowing the passageways. This makes your heart pump harder, elevating blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease.
Ways to Lower Cholesterol
You may be able to lower your cholesterol and risk of heart disease by making some lifestyle changes. Losing weight and exercising are the best ways to lower cholesterol. Reduce trans fats from your diet as much as possible. This type of fat is especially harmful because it raises "bad" LDL, while lowering "good" HDL. Trans fats occur in processed foods, as well as in animal meat and dairy. Eliminating cigarettes and alcohol from your routine may also help. If these lifestyle changes do not help lower your cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe a medication.
References
- American Heart Association: Why Cholesterol Matters; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Cholesterol Levels: What numbers should you aim for?; June 2010
- National Cholesterol Education Program; High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know; June 2005
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Heart Disease?
