Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. As of 2006, the American Heart Association estimated 81 million people in the U.S. had one or more forms of heart disease, with more than 17 million suffering from coronary heart disease. High cholesterol is a dietary risk factor for coronary heart disease, the AHA says.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is a narrowing of arteries. At the center of coronary heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition where cholesterol, a form of fat, accumulates in coronary arteries, which supply oxygen to the heart, forming plaque and hardening. This causes narrowing, which reduces blood flow. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, so a reduction can increase the risk of heart attack.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is needed for your body to function; however, excess cholesterol poses adverse health risks. Your liver produces cholesterol and it is found in your diet. Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. High density lipoproteins, or HDLs, are considered a good form of cholesterol because they prevent buildup by carrying cholesterol away from cells and tissues to the liver for excretion. Conversely, low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, are considered bad because they transport cholesterol throughout your body.
Cholesterol Guidelines
Elevated LDL levels are a major factor in coronary artery disease. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dl is desirable. Optimal LDL levels are below 100 mg/dl. HDL levels above 60 mg/dl are considered protective against heart disease. Triglycerides, another form of fat, can also increase your risk of heart disease, according to the NHLBI; optimal levels are below 150 mg/dl.
Treatment
According to the NHLBI, the primary goal of cholesterol-lowering treatment is to lower LDL enough to reduce your risk of heart attack, or diseases caused by hardening of the arteries. Therapeutic lifestyle changes include cholesterol-lowering diet, physical activity and weight management. Along with lifestyle changes, your doctor may implement cholesterol-lowering medications. Consult your doctor if your cholesterol levels are high to examine beneficial strategies.
References
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
- American Heart Association: Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease
- PubMed Health; Coronary Heart Disease; June 2010
- Purdue University: Diet-Related Diseases
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol -- How is High Blood Cholesterol Diagnosed?
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol -- How is High Blood Cholesterol Treated?
