HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the human body and in foods that come from animals. It has many positive functions within the body and is required for us to be healthy. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can be unhealthy. Cholesterol constitutes a major component of the plaque build-up that occurs in the arteries. This plaque narrows the arteries and can eventually lead to coronary artery disease. A diet high in fat, especially saturated fat, significantly contributes to unhealthy levels of cholesterol in the body.

Cholesterol Tests

Your doctor can use a blood test to measure your total blood cholesterol, your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, and also your triglycerides.

1. Total blood cholesterol : total blood cholesterol level less than 200mg/dl is desirable. This level of total cholesterol is associated with the least risk of heart disease.

2. HDL (“good”) cholesterol : HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because a high level seems to protect us against heart attacks by carrying cholesterol away from your arteries. On the average, men should have HDL cholesterol levels ranging from 40 – 50 mg/dl, and women should have levels ranging from 50 – 60 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol levels less than 35 mg/dl are considered low and could increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

3. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol : LDL cholesterol can slowly build up on the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol, because a high level indicates an increased risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol levels less than 130 mg/dl are desirable.

4. Triglyceride : High triglyceride levels often appear with higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Ideal triglyceride levels are considered to be less than 200 mg/dl.

Controlling Cholesterol Level

You can lower your blood cholesterol level by losing weight (if needed), exercising and eating healthy foods.

Diets high in fat, particularly saturated fat, and cholesterol raise blood cholesterol levels. A few simple modifications in your diet can help you control your cholesterol level. By following these simple guidelines, you will find that a diet low in fat and cholesterol can be easy and delicious.

• Eat more fish, skinless poultry and lean cut of meat. (trim all visible fat)

• Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains.

• Cook with unsaturated vegetable oil instead of butter.

• Choose skim or 1% milk, and low fat dairy products.

• Limit consumption of egg yolks to three or four per week, or use egg whites and egg substitutes in place of whole eggs.