Women and Cholesterol

• What is cholesterol?
• What causes high cholesterol levels?
• Why are high cholesterol levels a problem?
• When should I have my cholesterol checked?
• What is the cholesterol test?
• What can I do to improve my cholesterol levels?

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is fat that is made by the body. It helps many parts of the body function normally. It protects nerves and is used by the body to make female hormones. But, heart problems can occur when the blood has too much cholesterol.
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What causes high cholesterol levels?

There are several reasons for high cholesterol levels. The body may make more cholesterol than it needs or you may have inherited a tendency to make too much cholesterol. You also may have a high cholesterol from eating too much of the wrong kinds of food.
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Why are high cholesterol levels a problem?

High cholesterol levels can double your risk for heart disease. A history of heart disease in your family adds to this risk. Other factors may also contribute. These factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or lack of exercise. The good news is that you can control your cholesterol levels.
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When should I have my cholesterol checked?

If any risk is present, you should have your cholesterol checked by the age of 20. If no risks are present, you should have your first cholesterol level drawn by the age of 30.
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What is the cholesterol test?

It is a simple blood test done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. The cholesterol test measures the types of cholesterol and fat in your blood. Your doctor should review the results with you.

• Total Cholesterol measures all the cholesterol in your blood. The goal is a level less than 200 mg/dl. Even more important are the following:
  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or Highly Desirable Lipid is the "good" cholesterol that removes cholesterol from the blood). Your goal should be a level greater than 50 mg/dl.
  • Density Lipoprotein (LDL) (Less Desirable Lipids t "bad" cholesterol that leads to fat buildup in blood vessels. Your goal should be a level less than 100 mg/dl.
  • Triglycerides are fats made from the sugars, alcohol and carbohydrates you eat. Your goal should be a level less than 150 mg/dl.

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What can I do to improve my cholesterol levels?

There are three ways you can make your cholesterol levels better.

Diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Use low or non-fat dairy products. Substitute olive oil, grapeseed, canola or safflower oil for butter, lard or solid- stick margarine. Avoid alcohol and sugary foods. Avoid foods that contain saturated, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated fats or transfats. Read food labels to make healthy decisions.

Weight Control: Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can increase your blood pressure, level of bad cholesterol and your chance of developing diabetes. Even reducing your weight by 10% can improve your health.

Exercise: Get 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Using your large muscles (also called aerobic exercise) can result in weight loss, better cholesterol levels and a more normal blood sugar. Examples of aerobic exercises are brisk walking, bicycling, hiking and swimming. You should talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Family history has a very strong influence on your cholesterol levels. It is possible that you can follow all these suggestions and still need to take cholesterol-lowering medication. Talk with your doctor about your cholesterol levels. This will help you understand your cholesterol results and how to reach your goals.

Your health is your most important asset. It is never too late to make positive changes in your health.
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