How to keep cholesterol in check, and why it matters

When kept in check, cholesterol is not a bad thing. In fact, your body needs it to help build cells.

However, that waxy substance carried in your blood stream could also pose serious health risks if not kept at healthy levels.

“Not all cholesterol is bad for us, but there is a type of cholesterol that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke,” said David Davidson, MD, a cardiologist with Endeavor Health. “Keeping track of your cholesterol is important to prevent future cardiovascular disease.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 40 percent of American adults have high cholesterol.

Here are six things you should know about cholesterol and steps you can take to help keep it within a healthy range:

1. What you eat matters. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. Choosing a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and focused on vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, high fiber foods like beans, oatmeal, and whole grains can help you stay in a healthy range.
2. Not all cholesterol is bad. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol through your blood to your cells. There are two main groups of lipoproteins. High-density lipoprotein (or HDL) is the “good” type of cholesterol and helps your body process low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat found in your body. A high level of triglycerides combined with a high level of LDL or low HDL increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Because there are no symptoms for high cholesterol, everyone, including children, should get their cholesterol checked. The CDC suggests that healthy adults should get their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Your doctor may suggest more frequent or additional testing if you have certain risk factors or a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. The CDC also recommends that children get their cholesterol levels checked once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages between 17 and 21.
4. Your numbers tell a story. High LDL levels mean cholesterol can build up in arteries and form blockages.  An LDL greater than 190 mg/dl is considered a dangerous level and puts someone at an even higher risk for heart disease or stroke.
5. Certain conditions put you at higher risk. Some conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, South Asian ancestry, pre-eclampsia, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and inflammatory disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis come with an increased risk for heart disease. Certain medications used to treat acne, cancer, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms may also affect cholesterol levels. Someone being treated for any of these diseases or taking any medications should talk to their doctor about things they can do to manage their cholesterol.
6. Lifestyle changes help improve your cholesterol levels. Physical activity is good for heart health and helps increase HDL (good) cholesterol. People can also improve their cholesterol by eating a healthy diet and moderating/minimizing alcohol.

If your doctor prescribes medication to help lower your cholesterol, be sure to take it as prescribed.