High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, which can cause heart attack and stroke. But what, exactly, is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver and found in many foods. It is essential for good health as it helps the body make hormones and digest fatty foods. But saturated and trans fats–like those found in certain oils and animal products like meat, poultry and dairy products–can cause the liver to make more cholesterol than it normally would. When that happens, cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, increasing a person’s risk of heart disease.
There are two types of cholesterol. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may protect the body from heart attack or stroke, but the body contains more LDL cholesterol than HDL cholesterol. HDL carries LDL away from the arteries and back to the liver, which breaks down the LDL and flushes it from the body.
Lifestyle Can Make a Difference
While genetics and age can affect cholesterol levels, there are ways to help lower LDL, including:
- Eating healthy
- Maintaining an ideal weight
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol
- Quitting smoking
Get Cholesterol Levels Checked Regularly
High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, and so it’s important to “know your numbers.” It is recommended that healthy adults have their cholesterol checked every four to six years, but if you have heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol, you may need to get your cholesterol checked more often. Talk with your Amberwell primary care provider about your risk factors and how often you should have your cholesterol checked.
Preventive services like cholesterol screening are often covered by health insurance. The Medicare Wellness Program also includes blood tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels as part of cardiovascular disease screening.
