health matters | cholesterol
Focus on High Cholesterol
Controlling this number can lower risks for heart problems and stroke
Your body naturally makes all the cholesterol that ’ s needed , but other factors can push us over the line .
This waxy substance is found in many animal-based food sources , like red meat , poultry and dairy . When intake of those fat-rich foods gets out of balance , the liver produces more cholesterol — and that can collect in our artery system .
The heart has to work harder to circulate blood . If plaque breaks loose , it may create blockages leading to the brain that cause a stroke , while blockages around the heart can lead to a heart attack .
It ’ s critically important that we keep these numbers in check in order to live healthier , longer lives . Here ’ s a look at the types of cholesterol , and how they impact our health :
might be elevated based on being overweight , physical inactivity , diabetes , smoking , alcohol consumption , or eating too many fats or carbs .
RELATED HEALTH RISKS
Dietary choices aren ’ t the only things to keep a close eye on : Smokers and those with high blood pressure and diabetes are also at higher risk of heart disease . Cholesterol levels can also be impacted by age , gender and family history . Any of these factors may lead to deposits of thick , hard plaque that narrow the arteries , in a process known as atherosclerosis .
TREATMENT OPTIONS
DIFFERENT TYPES
Turns out , not all cholesterol is bad . It ’ s just that too much or one kind of cholesterol can put you in jeopardy of a serious heart problem . So can having not enough of the other kind of cholesterol . Low density lipoprotein , or LDL , is typically described as “ bad ” cholesterol , while high density lipoprotein is “ good .” Doctors will also keep an eye on triglycerides , another form of fat made in the body . These numbers
Your doctor will take regular measurements of your cholesterol in order to create a baseline , then make recommendations if the results don ’ t align properly . This will be done with a blood test , and that may require a short fast beforehand . After the numbers have been run , you could be encouraged to make different dietary choices , create or increase your activity regimen , or perhaps begin regularly taking prescriptions . These medications would play a critical role in lowering your risk of stroke and heart attack , depending on your specific situation , so follow the doctor ’ s instructions to the letter . hm
18 Health Matters • Spring 2023