September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a time to raise awareness and
empower people to take charge of their heart health.
About 71 million Americans have high cholesterol. Many are unaware and untreated.
High cholesterol increases the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Cholesterol and fat in your blood contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, reducing or blocking blood flow to your heart, brain or limbs.
Understanding cholesterol—the good, the bad and the balance—is essential for promoting heart health and overall well-being, says Dr. Oluseyi Princewill, a MedStar Health cardiologist practicing in Olney.
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance found in all the body’s cells.
“It’s produced by the liver and the food we take in. It’s essential for the production of cell walls, tissues, hormones and helps the body digest fatty foods,” she says.
One common misconception is that all cholesterol is harmful, but that is not true. There are two different types—LDL and HDL. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol because it contributes to fatty buildup in the arteries of the body.
HDL is considered to be the good cholesterol.
“A healthy level protects against heart attacks and stroke,” Princewill says. “The HDL cholesterol carries the bad cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver to be broken down and passed out of the body.”
Cholesterol levels are measured by a blood test. Total cholesterol should be 200 or lower. Your HDL “good” cholesterol is the number you want to be high, ideally above 60. Your LDL “bad” cholesterol should be below 100.
The primary risk factors for high cholesterol are genetics and diet, Princewill says. Lifestyle changes can help improve your cholesterol though medication may be needed.
“If you eat foods high in saturated and trans fat such as red meat and high-fat dairy products, that can lead to high cholesterol,” Princewill says.
Smoking and drinking alcohol can also impact cholesterol levels.
“Age is a risk factor that can’t be controlled, but as we get older, the body is less able to remove the bad cholesterol,” she says.
More exercise, both cardio and resistance training, can lower the LDL cholesterol.
Another misconception among patients is that you would be able to feel it if you have high cholesterol.
“There are really no warning signs, and you have to get your blood work checked routinely to know whether or not your cholesterol is high,” Princewill says.
Cholesterol is treated by statins or other medicines. Statins work by blocking a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol, she says. They are typically well tolerated
by patients.
Another myth is that statins are unnecessary and that diet and exercise alone can effectively manage your cholesterol, Princewill says.
“Although diet and exercise play a crucial role in keeping the numbers down, there are some people that no matter what you do, their cholesterol is still going to be high, especially if it’s genetic.”
For patients who have a family history of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, doctors recommend routine testing every year or more.
While cholesterol is crucial for bodily functions, having too much of it can lead to serious health problems. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and working with health care providers to monitor cholesterol levels, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their heart and live a longer, healthier life, Princewill says.
