Facts About Cholestrol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. You get cholesterol in two ways. Your body makes some of it. The rest comes from animal products you eat like meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk. Foods like fruits, vegetables and cereals do not have any cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fats can cause the body to make more cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood can decrease blood flow to your heart or brain.

What are HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides?

HDL – This is the “good” cholesterol that helps prevent buildup in the arteries.

LDL – This is the “bad” cholesterol that sticks to your arteries and can cause blockage.

Triglycerides – This is a type of fat in your blood that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Know your numbers.

It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked. Here are some ideal ranges for
cholesterol levels. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your numbers.

Total Cholesterol – ideal: less than 200

HDL (higher is better) – ideal: 60 or greater

LDL (lower is better) – ideal: less than 100 Triglycerides – ideal: less than 150

Controlling high cholesterol.

If your cholesterol is high, lowering it will help cut your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. To reduce the cholesterol in your blood:

• Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. n Exercise 30 minutes at least five days a
• week.
• Talk with your doctor about medicine if lifestyle changes don’t lower your cholesterol enough.

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