Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by the liver. It helps your body build cells and make hormones among other beneficial functions. Your body produces all the cholesterol you need.
Cholesterol can also come from foods you eat, such as meat, eggs, cheese, and milk. Dietary cholesterol can lead to health problems such as heart attack and stroke if it gets too high.
The American Heart Association (AHA) describes the various forms of cholesterol:
- LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) is the type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries, causing them to be narrow and increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke.
- HDL (High-density lipoprotein) carries LDL back to the liver to be broken down and passed from the body. HDL can’t eliminate LDL altogether, but having enough HDL in your blood can be helpful.
- Triglycerides are a common type of body fat that stores excess energy from your diet.
High cholesterol can be caused by a number of factors to include age and heredity. Most of the time, it is associated with lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about your numbers and risk factors. Consider these cholesterol-lowering tactics:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. Limit saturated fats to less than 6% of your total calories and avoid trans fats altogether. Enjoy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts, and low-fat meats and dairy products.
- Be physically active. Work towards at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Consider walking, swimming, bicycling, dancing, or even yard work.
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight if
- Talk with your doctor about a cholesterol treatment plan that is right for you. This may include medication, such as a statin, if:
- Your 10-year risk of a heart attack or stroke is high
- You’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
- You have very high LDL Cholesterol levels
- You have diabetes
Protect your heart and blood vessels. Know your numbers, risk factors, and what steps to take to be as healthy as possible.
For more information, go to https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol.