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Cholesterol
Watch All Your Levels — High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it and other substances build up in the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque, and over time it causes the arteries to harden and narrow, slowing down blood flow. If the plaque breaks, a blood clot could be formed and block the blood flow in an artery. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance made by the liver and used by the body to insulate nerves, make cell membranes and produce certain hormones. It is also found in foods we eat, such as meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
Types of Cholesterol
LDL: The Bad Cholesterol
High levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol raise your risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack because LDL is deposited in artery walls, increasing the buildup of plaque.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a major energy source and high levels tend to indicate a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. They are produced by the body and can come from food too.
HDL: The Good Cholesterol
High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol lower your risk of coronary heart disease because it clears cholesterol out of your system. |
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Get Checked!
A lipoprotein profile is the best way to determine your cholesterol levels. It's a blood test that's done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and reveals your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels.
Lowering Cholesterol — Lifestyle Changes Can Help
By eating more foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol (or foods that are free of both), maintaining a healthy weight and exercising at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, your lifestyle can influence and lower cholesterol levels. Regardless of your cholesterol level, lifestyle changes should be part of your lipid-lowering strategy.
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Content taken from the 2006 Wal-Mart Healthy Heart Resource Book
courtesy of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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