High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, a chronic condition that can lead to heart attack or heart failure. Globally, heart disease is the most common cause of death. While you might not be able to control some heart disease risk factors, there are things you can do to control your cholesterol levels.
As a board-certified internist and cardiologist, Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, understands the importance of monitoring your cholesterol level as you get older. He orders lab work to measure your cholesterol during annual physical exams at his private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York.
Dr. Graf interprets the results of your cholesterol screening and works with you to manage your cholesterol for better cardiovascular health. Here’s what you should know about good and bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a wax-like, fatty substance circulating in your blood. Everyone has cholesterol, which isn’t harmful unless you have high levels of it. Your liver makes cholesterol naturally, but you also get cholesterol from food sources like eggs, dairy, and meat. Some plant-based oils, such as coconut oil and palm oil, can also raise your cholesterol.
Your body relies on cholesterol for its role in creating vitamins and hormones and building cells. There are two main types:
HDL cholesterol is considered the “good” kind. It helps to keep your overall cholesterol levels in check by clearing out excess cholesterol your body doesn’t need.
Too much LDL cholesterol can be harmful. It can build up along the walls of your arteries as plaque, which narrows your blood vessels and impacts the overall function of your cardiovascular system. This is called atherosclerosis.
LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol can cause significant damage before you realize your cholesterol is high because high cholesterol and atherosclerosis have no symptoms. This is why Dr. Graf wants you to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly.
A blood test called a lipid panel is what’s used to measure your cholesterol levels. A cholesterol reading measures your cholesterol in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
While “normal” cholesterol levels vary by age, gender, and ethnicity, a total cholesterol reading of 200 mg/dL or higher generally means you have high cholesterol. Dr. Graf wants to see your LDL levels below 100 mg/dL, but you ideally should have a higher HDL, above 60 mg/dL.
If Dr. Graf finds that your bad (LDL) cholesterol is elevated or only slightly higher than normal, or if your good (HDL) cholesterol is low, you may be able to improve your numbers through diet and lifestyle changes alone. You can manage your cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis by:
If your total cholesterol is too high or if your numbers don’t improve with lifestyle changes, Dr. Graf might prescribe medications to help lower LDL and boost HDL. Even if you take cholesterol medications, it’s important to continue following a heart-healthy diet and maintaining healthy habits to keep your medication dose low.
Do you know your numbers? Call Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, to schedule an appointment or book your next physical exam online today.
