Today
most everyone has heard about cholesterol. Persons
over 20 years old should have
their cholesterol tested every 5 years, more often
if their cholesterol is elevated or if they have heart
disease risk factors. There are basically two types
of cholesterol. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good
cholesterol, and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad
cholesterol. A healthy person with no heart disease
risk factors should have total cholesterol less than
200, an HDL cholesterol above 40 if male, above 50
if female, and a LDL less than 100.
The following are some of the risk factors for heart
disease: |
| * |
High blood pressure (above 130/85 for males
and above 139/85 for females) |
| * |
Smoking |
| * |
Obesity (waist greater than 40 inches for males, greater
than 35 females) |
| * |
Diabetes |
| * |
History of heart disease/heart attack/stroke |
| * |
Sedentary life style |
| * |
Family history of premature heart disease (close male
relative with heart disease before the age of 55, female
relative before the age of 65) |
Your health care provider can help determine what level
of cholesterol would be considered healthy.
While you can’t change your family history there
are many things you can do to improve your heart health.
These measures include: |
| * |
Stop smoking. |
| * |
Keep your blood pressure and blood sugars under control
with life-style changes and/or medication. |
| * |
Exercise (consult with your health care provider before
starting on an exercise program). |
| * |
Eat a healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol. |
| * |
Keep your cholesterol levels down to a healthy level
with diet and/or medication. |
