Heart Health 101: Understanding Your Cholesterol
AI Summary
Cholesterol is essential for healthy cells, but high levels, especially LDL ("bad") cholesterol, can cause fatty deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL ("good") cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are measured with a blood test, and management involves lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, sometimes requiring medication like statins.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol particles throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.
A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol levels. You may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. The results will show your levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Lifestyle changes can help improve your cholesterol numbers. These include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
- Exercising regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting alcohol intake.
In some cases, lifestyle changes aren't enough. Your doctor might recommend medication to help lower your cholesterol. Statins are the most common type of cholesterol-lowering medication. Remember, managing your cholesterol is a lifelong journey, but a crucial one for a healthy heart.