According to the CDC, approximately 25 million US adults aged 20 or older have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can cause serious, life-threatening health issues if left unaddressed, including heart attack, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Fortunately, US health systems have made great strides in detecting and treating individuals with high cholesterol through increased awareness, expanded screening, and improved education.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that the body uses for function. It plays an essential role in creating new cells, producing hormones, and making vitamins. The body produces cholesterol naturally, and it is also obtained from your diet, primarily from animal products, such as meat and dairy. While cholesterol isn’t inherently “bad,” too much of it can pose a serious risk to your health.
According to the American Heart Association, adults aged 20 years or older should have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every 4-6 years. Those who have an increased risk of heart disease may require additional testing to assess their risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are the four cholesterol numbers?
The best way to start improving your cholesterol numbers is to first learn what your numbers mean. When you undergo a lipid panel (blood test), you’ll receive four numbers: your LDL levels, HDL levels, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol (“Bad” Cholesterol) – Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are widely considered the “bad” type of cholesterol because they can cause fatty buildup in the arteries, leading to narrowed or even blocked arteries that increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and PAP.
HDL Cholesterol (“Good” Cholesterol) – High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered the “good” kind of cholesterol because they can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by removing LDL cholesterol from your blood.
Triglycerides – Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body. Elevated triglycerides, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL, can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Total Cholesterol – Total Cholesterol is a measure of your body’s total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
A TPMG provider can order lipid panels, help track your numbers, and provide further guidance on how best to manage your cholesterol levels.
How can I better manage my cholesterol?
There are several lifestyle adjustments that can make a real impact on your cholesterol numbers. Follow these five steps to help improve your cholesterol today:
1. Change Your Diet
Incorporate more healthy sources of fiber, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Stick to lean sources of protein, including fish and seafood. Limit processed, sugary foods and drinks, salty snacks, red meat, and other sources of saturated fat.
2. Exercise More
Exercise can not only improve your cholesterol, but it can also help other areas of your health, including sleep, joint, and mental health. If you don’t have time or the ability for traditional forms of exercise, don’t worry. Even small amounts of movement, such as taking the stairs at work or going for a walk around your neighborhood, can impact your cholesterol and overall health.
3. Reduce or Quit Smoking
Smoking can lower your levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which can increase your risk of blockages and damage your brain.
4. Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Moderate alcohol consumption may help raise HDL levels. Moderate use of alcohol is defined by the CDC as one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
5. Take Medication
For some, lifestyle modification isn’t enough to improve your cholesterol levels. If you struggle to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, ask a TPMG provider if prescription medication like statins could help you improve your cholesterol numbers.
Cholesterol Treatment in Hampton Roads, VA
Gain control over your cholesterol with Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group (TPMG). Our team of experienced physicians and advanced care providers throughout Hampton Roads, VA can assist with the detection, monitoring, and management of high cholesterol. With comprehensive primary care providers who work closely with cardiovascular specialists, TPMG patients can enjoy expert care at affordable cost.
Learn more about how you can find a provider right for you.
The information shared is not intended to be medical advice nor is it meant to replace a professional consultation with a healthcare provider. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of TPMG or its providers and physicians.
