Understanding your cholesterol levelsMaintaining healthy cholesterol levels is a great way to keep your heart healthy. It can lower your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke. Show
But first, you have to know your cholesterol numbers. The American Heart Association recommendsAll adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol (and other traditional risk factors) checked every four to six years. If certain factors put you at high risk, or if you already have heart disease, your doctor may ask you to check it more often. Work with your doctor to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke and create a plan to reduce your risk. Learn how to get your cholesterol tested Your test results: A previewYour test results will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are among numerous factors your doctor can use to predict your lifetime or 10-year risk for a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor will also consider other risk factors, such as age, family history, smoking status, diabetes and high blood pressure. Lipid profile or lipid panel is a blood test that will give you results for your HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total blood (or serum) cholesterol. Watch an animation about cholesterol score. HDL (good) cholesterolHDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol. A healthy HDL-cholesterol level may protect against heart attack and stroke. Your doctor will evaluate your HDL and other cholesterol levels and other factors to assess your risk for heart attack or stroke. People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower levels of HDL. Genetic factors, Type 2 diabetes, smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all lower HDL cholesterol. Women tend to have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men do, but this can change after menopause. LDL (bad) cholesterolSince LDL is the bad kind of cholesterol, a low LDL level is considered good for your heart health. LDL levels are one factor among many to consider when evaluating cardiovascular risk. Talk to your doctor about your LDL cholesterol level as well as other factors that impact your cardiovascular health. A diet high in saturated and trans fat is unhealthy because it tends to raise LDL cholesterol levels. TriglyceridesTriglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from food, and your body also makes them. Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level. Many people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels. Factors that can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels:
Some medications may also increase triglycerides. Total blood (or serum) cholesterolThis part of your test results is a composite of different measurements. Your total blood cholesterol is calculated by adding your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20% of your triglyceride level. “Normal ranges” are less important than your overall cardiovascular risk. Like HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, your total blood cholesterol level should be considered in context with your other known risk factors. Your doctor can recommend treatment approaches accordingly. Cholesterol can be confusing! Learn answers to common questions about blood cholesterol. What do your cholesterol numbers mean? Can the foods you eat change your cholesterol levels? Learn the difference between cholesterol myth and fact. Then commit to getting your cholesterol checked this year so you know your numbers and your risk for heart disease and stroke.  Commit to getting your cholesterol checked this year so you know your numbers and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Myth: All cholesterol is bad for you.Fact: Some types of cholesterol are essential for good health. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and building cells. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad,” cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol. When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called plaque. HDL, or “good” cholesterol, carries cholesterol back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. As your blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow. This narrowing can restrict and eventually block blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack. Learn more about LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Myth: I would be able to feel it if I had high cholesterol.Fact: There are usually no warning signs for high cholesterol. You may not know you have unhealthy cholesterol levels until it is too late—when you have a heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s so important to get your cholesterol levels checked at least every 5 years.1 Learn more about getting your cholesterol checked. Occasionally, some people develop yellowish growths on their skin called xanthomas, which are cholesterol-rich deposits. People with xanthomas may have high cholesterol levels. Myth: Eating foods with a lot of cholesterol will not make my cholesterol levels go up.Fact: It can be complicated. We know that foods with a lot of cholesterol usually also have a lot of saturated fat. Saturated fats can make your cholesterol numbers higher, so it’s best to choose foods that are lower in saturated fats. Foods made from animals, including red meat, butter, and cheese, have a lot of saturated fats. Instead, aim to eat foods with plenty of fiber, such as oatmeal and beans; and healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts. Learn more about healthy diets and nutrition at CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity website Myth: I can’t do anything to change my cholesterol levels.Fact: You can do many things to improve your cholesterol levels and keep them in a healthy range!
Myth: I don’t need statins or other medicines for my cholesterol. I can manage my cholesterol with diet and exercise.Fact: Although many people can achieve good cholesterol levels by making healthy food choices and getting enough physical activity, some people may also need medicines called statins to lower their cholesterol levels. Guidelines also suggest that other medicines in addition to statins may be needed to help control cholesterol.1 People who may need statins or other medicines to manage cholesterol levels include the following:
Other groups of people may also need medicines to manage their cholesterol, including people who have a high risk for CVD. Always talk with your health care team about the best ways to manage your cholesterol. More informationCDC and Million Hearts®
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What are the symptoms of too low cholesterol?Symptoms of low cholesterol. hopelessness.. nervousness.. confusion.. agitation.. difficulty making a decision.. changes in your mood, sleep, or eating patterns.. What does it mean if your cholesterol is a little low?You could have very low cholesterol because of: A rare disorder that runs in your family. Malnutrition (not eating enough, or not eating enough healthy foods) Malabsorption (your body doesn't absorb enough fat)
What causes very low cholesterol?Low cholesterol, or hypolipidemia, occurs when a person has unusually low cholesterol levels in their blood. Excess weight, insulin, and smoking can cause low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. People can also have low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.
How do you fix low cholesterol?5 Ways to Raise Your HDL Cholesterol. Get active. Physical activity can boost your HDL level. ... . Lose extra weight. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds can help raise your HDL levels, as well as cut your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.. Choose better fats. ... . Alcohol in moderation. ... . Stop smoking.. |
Is it bad to have low cholesterol
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