HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FEBRUARY 2024 | 9
However , too much cholesterol circulating in the blood can pose a problem .
The two types of cholesterol are low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ), which is considered “ bad ,” and high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ), which can be thought of as “ good ” cholesterol . Too much of the “ bad ” kind , or not enough of the “ good ,” increases the risk of cholesterol slowly building up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain .
Cholesterol can join with other substances to form a thick , hard deposit on the inside of the arteries called plaque . This can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible - a condition known as atherosclerosis . If a blood clot forms , it may be more likely to get stuck in one of these narrowed arteries , resulting in a heart attack or stroke .
cholesterol levels . For others , medication may also be needed . Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that ’ s right for you . If medication is required , be sure to take it as prescribed .
Controlling your cholesterol may be easier than you think . Learn more about managing your cholesterol at heart . org / cholesterol .
UNDERSTANDING RISK
Your body naturally produces all the LDL it needs . An unhealthy lifestyle can make your body produce more LDL than required . Behaviors that may negatively affect your cholesterol levels include lack of physical activity , obesity , eating an unhealthy diet and smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke .
In addition to unhealthy habits , which are the cause of high LDL cholesterol for most people , some people inherit genes from their parents or grandparents - called familial hypercholesterolemia ( FH ) - that cause them to have too much cholesterol and can lead to premature atherosclerotic heart disease . If you have a family history of FH or problems related to high cholesterol , it ’ s important to get your levels checked .
GETTING CHOLESTEROL CHECKED
Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every 4-6 years as long as their risk remains low . After age 40 , your health care professional will use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke . People with cardiovascular disease , and those at elevated risk , may need their cholesterol and other risk factors assessed more often .
MANAGING CHOLESTEROL
If you have high cholesterol , understanding your risk for heart disease and stroke is one of the most important things you can do , along with taking steps to lower your cholesterol .
Often , simply changing certain behaviors can help bring your numbers into line . Eating a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes fruits , vegetables , whole grains , lean or plant-based protein , fish and nuts while limiting red and processed meats , sodium and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages is one of the best ways to lower your cholesterol . While grocery shopping , look for the American Heart Association ’ s Heart-Check mark to help identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern .
Other lifestyle changes include losing weight , quitting smoking and becoming more physically active , as a sedentary lifestyle can lower HDL . To help lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure , experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week , such as walking , biking or swimming .
For some people , lifestyle changes may prevent or manage unhealthy
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FEBRUARY 2024 | 9