Cholesterol : Know the basics

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in fats which circulates in your blood stream. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it results in excess build-up on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels). This build-up is called "atherosclerosis" or "hardening of the arteries". It narrows the arteries and reduces the blood flow, leading to high blood pressure. Your body makes cholesterol, and cholesterol also comes from food - especially meats, eggs, butter, other animal products, and certain oils, like palm and coconut, that contain lots of saturated fat. There are 2 types of cholesterol, the Good (HDL) and the Bad (LDL) cholesterol. The bad cholesterol clogs your arteries while the good cholesterol guards the arteries.

Cholesterol is tested by blood sample. Results are reported as the number of milligrams of total cholesterol (LDL + HDL), and LDL and HDL alone, in a certain volume of blood. The higher the numbers for total and LDL cholesterol, the higher the risk to your heart.

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

• Under 200         Desirable

• 200 - 239         Borderline high

• 240 or above     High

LDL Cholaterol (mg/dL)

• Under 100         Optimal

• 100 - 129         Near optimal / above optimal

• 130 - 159         Borderline high

• 160 - 189         High

• 190 or above     Very High

HDL above 60 mg/dL is good for your heart; HDL below 40mg/dL is a risk factor for developing heart disease. Your doctor may also check another fat-like substance, triglycerides, which also contribute to heart risk if the number is 150mg/dL or greater.

Today there are many ways to get cholesterol levels down if they are too high. A diet low in fats and cholesterol from animal products and oils can help as can weight loss and exercise. But these steps can't always get cholesterol down to optimal levels because as we get older, our levels cholesterol go up. And for many people, a high cholesterol level is something they have inherited from their parents. When high cholesterol can't be controlled with dietary lifestyle changes and exercise, doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines. A common class of drugs are called the statins, which inhibit an enzyme in the body that helps make cholesterol. Other drugs are resins, fibrates, and niacin. Talk to your doctor about cholesterol. Studies show that reducing high cholesterol may protect you against diseases like hypertension and heart problems. So learn your numbers, and get treatment if your cholesterol is too high.