National Cholesterol Education Month

September is National Cholesterol Education month. In recognition of this, Dean Health Plan (DHP) would like to offer some educational information regarding cholesterol, including what it is and how you can manage it.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance produced by your body and an ingredient in many of the foods you eat. It is found in your bloodstream and cells. Cholesterol is necessary to your body’s functional abilities and is partially responsible for creating cell membranes and certain hormones. However, when too much cholesterol is present, it can cause clogged or blocked arteries, leading to serious heart and circulatory problems.

In simple terms, there is LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol and HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can stick to the sides of your arteries, which can impede or block blood flow to and from the heart. HDL cholesterol can act like a vacuum cleaner and help clear out LDL cholesterol. In general, you would like your LDL number to be low and your HDL number to be high.

Ideal Cholesterol Levels

For the average person with no symptoms, the following are the recommended goal numbers. It is important to understand your individual goal numbers by talking with your primary care practitioner. He or she can give you goals specific to your health situation.

• Total cholesterol = Lower than 200
• LDL cholesterol = Lower than 100
• HDL cholesterol = Higher than 40 for men and 50 for women

Lowering LDL Cholesterol

While most cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, there are things that can be done to help manage cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol can be partially managed by diet. Foods high in fat and salt contribute to increased levels of LDL. Other risk factors such as smoking, age and family history can also contribute to high levels of LDL. While age and family history themselves are not modifiable, they can be motivating factors. Working on eating a healthy, low-fat diet and avoiding risk factors can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Raising HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol levels can be raised, in part, by increasing activity levels. Physical activity that gets the heart moving can help increase the levels of this good cholesterol, thereby helping to clear the arteries of bad cholesterol.

Cholesterol, at the appropriate levels, is necessary to maintain your body’s systems. Naturally produced levels of cholesterol differ from person to person. As a result, your doctor may prescribe medications that are vital to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. However, it is very important to understand the things you can do to help lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol.

Being aware of your cholesterol and taking steps to maintain it can help you stay healthy. DHP encourages you to use this month as a time to learn about your current cholesterol levels and set goals to make sure that you are taking the steps needed to make this a part of a healthy life!

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