(measured in milligrams per
deciliter [mg/dL])
| HDL-C: |
| Less than
40: |
Low |
| 60 or more: |
High |
|
| LDL-C: |
| 190 or more:
|
Very high |
| 160–189:
|
High |
| 130–159:
|
Borderline high |
| 100–129:
|
Near/above
optimal |
| Less than
100: |
Optimal
|
|
| Total Cholesterol: |
| 240 or more: |
High |
| 200–239: |
Borderline
high |
| Less than
200: |
Desirable |
|
* The National
Cholesterol Education Program has recently updated its guidelines;
hence, the optimal cholesterol targets listed here differ
from those listed in the Spring 2001 issue of Considering
Cholesterol.
Supported by an unrestricted
educational grant from Pfizer Inc
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|
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Today's Class: Basic Cholesterol Knowledge
Learning
about—and really understanding—cholesterol and heart disease
isn't as difficult as you may think.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance found in all
body parts, and it is crucial in order for your body to function
properly. It is acquired in two ways: your body makes it naturally,
and you ingest it through certain foods. When there is a normal
amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood, it helps your body
complete such processes as making hormones and digesting fat. When
your body has too much cholesterol, however, you need to worry about
heart disease.
How Can Cholesterol Be Both "Good" and "Bad"?
Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream in packages called
"lipoproteins". High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, carries
the "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein,
or LDL, carries the "bad" cholesterol. To remember this
distinction, use this simple rule of thumb:
 |
"H" is for "high" |
|
"L" is for "low" |
Your ultimate goal should be to have a high level
of HDL-cholesterol and a low level of LDL-cholesterol to help reduce
your chances of getting heart disease. (See box at left for new
cholesterol ranges just issued by the government and the levels for
which you should aim.)
LDL interacts with other substances and with certain cells to form
plaque buildup on the artery walls, which makes it difficult for
blood to flow freely to and from your heart. This buildup is heart
disease that can lead to chest pain or heart attack, with a real
possibility of death.
HDL, on the other hand, removes cholesterol from
the blood and passes it to the liver to be processed and ultimately
excreted. High levels of HDL can help protect the heart.
Passing Your Cholesterol "Exam"
There are simple steps you can take to make sure that your cholesterol
is under control:
|
Get "tested" (cholesterol screening)
at least every 5 years. |
|
Become knowledgeable regarding your "numbers"
(cholesterol levels). |
|
Meet with your doctor regularly. |
|
Become a serious "scholar" of healthier
living (exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, quit smoking). |
If you need extra help in achieving desirable cholesterol
readings, your physician can help with advice and monitoring and,
if necessary, can prescribe a cholesterol-lowering drug (alone or
in combination with another) to help you reach your goal. Typically,
physicians recommend one of four types of medications: a statin; a
bile acid sequestrant; a nicotinic acid; or a fibric-acid derivative.
Statins are the most prescribed of the cholesterol drugs, but your
doctor will assess which one(s) is/are appropriate for your individual
needs.
Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions!
Finally, don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have regarding
your cholesterol. By following your doctor's suggestions and living
a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk for getting coronary
heart disease or prevent existing heart disease from getting worse.
(See box above for some causes of high cholesterol.) Controlling
your cholesterol is one of the most important—and easiest-to-follow—medical
lessons there is for a healthy heart.
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