“My doctor told me to watch my cholesterol. So, now I stare at my French fries for a few seconds before I eat them.” — Maxine

Having routine blood tests can help inform your doctor how your body is doing. Our liver makes cholesterol (a wax-like substance), which we need. The body needs cholesterol to build new cells, produce hormones, control nutrients going in and out of your cells, and convert UV rays from the sun into vitamin D. We also get cholesterol from the foods we eat. Mostly animal products and dairy foods. However, if your blood level of cholesterol is too high, it can be dangerous, leading to possible heart disease or stroke. One of the common tests done is the lipid panel. This test shows your low-density lipoprotein (LDL=bad cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL=good cholesterol), triglycerides (fats), and total cholesterol. Usually, if your doctor says you have high cholesterol, it means that your LDL is high and your HDL is low.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol (tip: think of it as the lousy cholesterol). LDL will build up in the walls of your blood vessels. Making it harder for blood to flow through because it is narrow and hard. Think of an old garden hose with calcium build up. Occasionally, the build-up will break loose and travel through the blood system to cause a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor would like to see adults with a fasting (no food before test) level less than 100 mg/dL. 160 mg/dL or more is considered high.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol attaches to excess cholesterol and takes it back to the liver to be eliminated. Doctors like for the levels of HDL to be above 40 for men and 50 for women. Higher is better.

Triglycerides are fats. The body uses them for energy and to build cholesterol. They are stored in our fat cells. A high level of triglycerides (200 mg/dL) increases your risk for pancreatitis, heart disease, and stroke. The preferred level is below 150 mg/dL. If you take in more calories than you burn on a regular basis, your triglyceride levels are more than likely elevated.

How do we know if we have high cholesterol? There are no symptoms of high cholesterol. You need a blood test to discover if you have it. Although lifestyle choices normally lead to high cholesterol, it can be hereditary; some people are born with high levels. Some medical conditions that contribute to raised levels are diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and lupus. Medications such as cancer, high blood pressure, acne, HIV/AIDS, irregular heartbeat, and transplant medications can worsen cholesterol levels.

What can we do? Heart-healthy lifestyle changes can help lower or prevent you from having high cholesterol. Quit smoking (or never begin), lose extra weight, drink in moderation if at all, manage the stress in your life, limit the amount of animal fats, eat a low-salt diet, and exercise at least 30 minutes on most days. I know that comes across as a lot, but make small changes and build from there. Come join us from 10 am to noon on Tuesday and Fridays at the old Junior High Gym. Small changes can lead to big results over time. Talk to your doctor, you may require medication to help control your cholesterol. It is cheaper to see them now than to wait until you have a heart attack or stroke.

“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctor.” — Chinese Proverb

Have fun and stay safe,

Nurse Deb