Everyone has heard about the connection between high
levels of cholesterol and coronary heart disease (CHD), which accounts for
about 500,000 deaths a year in the U.S. today. As
a health-conscious consumer, you're naturally concerned
about your cholesterol level. But if you're like most
other people, you find the language about cholesterol
and other "lipids" - fatty substances in the body -
confusing. Here's a quick guide to help you
understand what the different
types of lipids are, what the numbers mean, and what you
can do to improve your lipid profile in an effort to
reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Look at the different lipid levels, and check your risk.
Lipid
levels are expressed as milligrams of lipid per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). The symbols
used with these numbers are explained below.
Total Cholesterol - Everyone should know his or her total cholesterol
level, which provides a rough estimate of heart disease risk. Cholesterol is transported
through the blood stream by lipoproteins (lipid plus protein) carriers. Total cholesterol
level includes the amount of cholesterol carried by HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and
LDL, (low-density lipoprotein), as well as a small amount carried by very-low-density
lipoprotein. This measurement, however, does not give a specific value for each
lipoprotein. The total cholesterol test is used to screen for heart disease risk or to
monitor general progress in those on a special diet or medication for high cholesterol.
What's your cholesterol level?
Desirable <200 mg/dl
Borderline high 200-239 mg/dl
High-risk > 240 mg/dl
HDL Cholesterol - HDL-C is known as the "good" cholesterol
because higher HDL, levels are generally associated with lower risk for heart disease.
HDL-C is believed to take excess cholesterol away from coronary arteries. The
more HDL cholesterol you have, the better. Everyone should know his or her HDL
cholesterol.
What's your HDL cholesterol level?
Desirable >35 mg/dl
LDL Cholesterol - LDL-C is known as the "bad" cholesterol
because too much LDL in the blood is associated with blockage of the arteries in the
heart. LDL cholesterol is calculated in those who have a high total cholesterol
level or other risk factors for heart disease.
Triglycerides -Triglyceride is a lipid that helps store fat in the
body. High glyceride levels can cause inflammation of the pancreas, and elevated
levels of triglyceride may play a role in heart disease risk
What's your triglyceride level?
Desirable < 250 mg/dl
Review your lipid tests with your physician. Assessing heart disease risk is a process
that should be performed under your doctor's guidance. Together you can develop your
personal plan for action. Some patients, such as those with high total cholesterol,
hypertension, or coronary heart disease (among other patient groups), should have a
complete lipoprotein profile, which includes determinations of total cholesterol, HDL-C,
triglyceride, and LDL-C.
Make changes that can improve your lipid profile to help reduce your risk of
heart disease.
Smoking.
Smoking lowers your HDL, ("good") cholesterol level.
Smoking in itself is a major risk factor for heart disease
Change the Way you Eat. Low-fat, low-cholesterol eating benefits
all your lipid levels.
Lose Weight if necessary. A healthy, low-fat diet will also help
you lose weight, and that helps all your lipids, too.
Start Exercising. Talk to your doctor about a sensible exercise plan
for you. An active lifestyle helps all the lipids, keeps you trim and fit, and give
you energy, too!
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, A
Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
12221 MoPac Expressway North |
Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
Serving the communities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, San
Marcos and
Central Texas since 1952
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