Cholesterol awareness

October is National Cholesterol Month and is dedicated to raising awareness of cholesterol, the risks and how to keep your cholesterol levels healthy. You probably know that fried chicken, a doughnut or a loaded double cheeseburger are not the best foods to put in your body. Why? Because foods like these are packed with unhealthy fats and lack many of the important nutrients for heart health.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body produces and is necessary for many body functions. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, some will build up on the walls of the blood vessels, including those of the heart. Over time, this build-up can obstruct the flow of blood. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

How do you know if your cholesterol is high?

High cholesterol usually doesn’t have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. However, doctors can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol. High cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes or if it is not enough, through medications.

It’s important to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.

How often should you have your cholesterol checked?

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

Preventive guidelines for cholesterol screening among young adults differ, but experts agree on the need to screen young adults who have other risk factors for coronary heart disease: obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history.

A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile can measure your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.

The following chart shows optimal lipid levels for adults:

If you have high cholesterol, what can you do to lower it?

Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your high cholesterol.5 In addition, you can lower your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes:

• Low-fat and high-fibre food (Eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains).
• For adults, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. For those aged 6-17, getting 1 hour or more of physical activity each day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don’t smoke or quit if you smoke.

Cholesterol Resources

• CDC’s Cholesterol Web Site
• Cholesterol Fact Sheet
• State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Programs Address High Blood Cholesterol