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updated September, 2010
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Over 65 million Americans have high blood cholesterol. High cholesterol increases one’s chance of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is the nation’s #1 killer. What Is Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is an essential part of cell linings and is found in the blood stream. It is a vital part of the body and is responsible for producing certain hormones, strengthening cell membranes, making vital compounds such as bile acids and vitamin D. The liver makes all the cholesterol that we need to function properly, yet cholesterol also gets into the body by food. Too much cholesterol in the body is harmful and can lead to heart disease. There is both "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Controlling "bad" cholesterol is important for optimal health. Cholesterol plays a major role in creating the plaque that forms on the artery walls, resulting in narrowing of the arteries thus causing them to be less flexible, a condition called atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” This condition can block the flow of blood and possibly causing heart attacks and strokes. Who Is At Risk: Anyone can have high cholesterol – men and women. What Are The Symptoms: According to the Mayo Clinic, high cholesterol has no symptoms, so adults over age 20 need to have their cholesterol measured every 5 years. A fasting blood test called a lipoprotein profile measures total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. National guidelines say a person’s total cholesterol number should be under 200, while 220–239 is considered borderline high, and above 240 is considered high. Your doctor knows best when it comes to your cholesterol goals, and he or she will be your partner in reaching them. What Affects Cholesterol Levels: Heredity. A family history of high cholesterol.
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updated September, 2010
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