Sept. is Cholesterol Awareness Month
BOSTON More than 105 million Americans have blood cholesterol that is higher than it should be. This is a troubling statistic because high cholesterol can significantly increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other serious medical conditions. According to the American Heart Association, a 10 percent reduction in total cholesterol across the population could reduce the incidence of heart disease in the United States by 30 percent.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to reach and maintain a healthy cholesterol level and lower your risk of illness. In recognition of National Cholesterol Awareness Month this September, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' (BCBSMA) Prevention and Wellness Program is providing the following information to help you understand cholesterol and maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
Q: What is cholesterol?
A: Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. The two most discussed forms of cholesterol are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is known as the "bad" cholesterol and is responsible for clogging your arteries and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because studies suggest that high levels of it can reduce your risk of heart attack by carrying the bad cholesterol away from sites in the body to the liver to be excreted. HDL level is hereditary and can be influenced by smoking and exercise.
Q: Where does cholesterol come from?
A: Some of the cholesterol in your body comes from the foods you eat. Foods such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk have cholesterol in them. However, in addition to what you eat, the majority of cholesterol is produced by the body in the liver and is sent into the blood stream where it is absorbed into the cells.
Q: How do I know if I have high cholesterol?
A: It is essential that you visit your doctor regularly and have cholesterol screenings. Starting at the age of 20, adults should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. Men over 45 years of age, women over 55 years of age, and people with a history of high cholesterol should be checked more often. High cholesterol can be hereditary, so even if you are healthy and fit, you can still be at risk for high cholesterol and should take initiative to be screened. And cholesterol levels can change as you age, which is why you need to have it checked periodically.
In adults without other risk factors, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high risk and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high risk.
Q: What can I do to lower my cholesterol?
A: To reduce your cholesterol levels, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices. For example:
Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise that will also strengthen your heart and potentially increase the "good" HDL cholesterol.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can have an adverse affect on your cholesterol levels. Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation, and if you smoke, consider working with your doctor to develop a plan for quitting. You can call 1-800-trytostop for support in quitting.
If you do have high cholesterol or if you have a family history of high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about developing a plan to maintain a healthy cholesterol level and a healthy lifestyle. There are many options for controlling your cholesterol level, and your doctor can help you choose which is best for you.
The information contained here was provided by the American Heart Association and BCBSMA. For more information on keeping your cholesterol in check, please visit the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org or BCBSMA at www.ahealthyme.com.
|
|
