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Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a household word, yet few people understand the concept of cholesterol and heart disease.

Cholesterol is a white, waxy fat found in our cells that is needed to build cells and make hormones. It is made by the liver and it comes from the foods we eat. Cholesterol is essential to life, but too much of it can clog your arteries and cut off the blood supply to the heart. This is why it is a significant risk factor in cardiovascular heart disease.

Triglycerides are also a major form of fat that is produced by the body and comes from foods we eat. Triglycerides are also a risk factor if they are too high.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides are not able to move through artery walls unless it is carried by “vehicles” called lipoproteins. This is where we get the name LDL – Low Density Lip Proteins, HDL – High Density Lipoproteins. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that clogs the arteries and HDL is the “good” cholesterol that cleans arteries. When you get your lab work for cholesterol levels you will get the total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

Cholesterol Levels

Current guidelines suggest these levels:
          Total Cholesterol < 200
          LDL < 100 (< 70 if heart disease or diabetes)
          HDL > 50
          Triglycerides < 150

Advanced Cholesterol Testing

Sometimes a more advanced cholesterol test is needed to determine your risk for heart disease. This test measures many more aspects of cholesterol that can be causing your arteries to clog up. Many people have heart attacks with “normal” cholesterol numbers. We can arrange for this specialized advanced cholesterol test if clinically indicated.

Suggestions for Lowering Cholesterol

Aerobic exercise – 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week
Eat more plant based foods. They do not contain cholesterol.
Eat limited amounts of animal fats and cheeses
Drink skim milk and eat low fat dairy products such as mozzarella cheese
Eat more fiber – oats, beans, whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables
Eat and cook with unsaturated fats that can lower your LDL – sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil and canola oil
Limit baked goods and other foods that are high in saturated and trans fats

Our HeartFirst team would love to help you evaluate and treat your cholesterol levels to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Prevention of heart disease is a very important part of our care.

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