Why cholesterol management is important

Since this month is American Heart Month, I figured I would discuss why managing your cholesterol is such an important key in overall health and wellness.

High cholesterol can be a silent killer. For healthy adults, it is recommended to have your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. If you have risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or family history of high cholesterol you may need to get it checked more frequently.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that flows through your blood stream on proteins (cholesterol + proteins = lipoproteins). Having a diet high in saturated fats, highly processed foods, and added sugar increases your risk for cholesterol to build up in the wall of your blood vessels. This forms plaque, and can eventually lead to hardening and blockage in your veins and arteries, leading in heart attack or stroke.

Now that I covered the basics as to why cholesterol management is so important, let’s go over the different types of cholesterol in your body and goal levels to aim for.

LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol)- This type of cholesterol carries cholesterol to your cells. When you have too much of this type of cholesterol it can build up in your artery walls, resulting in narrowing of your artery walls and reduction in blood flow.

LDL goals: 

· Less than 130 mg/dL for healthy individuals

· Less than 100 mg/dL for high risk patients

· Less than 70 mg/dL for those with heart or blood vessel disease

HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol)- This type of cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver

HDL goal:

· Desirable- greater than 60 mg/dL for both men and women

· For women, less than 50 mg/dL puts you at risk for heart disease

· For men, less than 40 mg/dL puts you at risk for heart disease

Total Cholesterol- This number is equal to the sum of your LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as 20% of your triglycerides.

· Total cholesterol goal

· Desirable- less than 200 mg/dL

· Borderline- 200-240 mg/dL

· High- Greater than 240 mg/dL

Since this month is American Heart month, please consider getting your lipids checked. You can start making healthy choices today that can make a positive impact on your heart. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a dietitian if you need any help taking those first steps to making healthy changes in your life.