Cholesterol

How does cholesterol affect heart health?

Cholesterol is a necessary substance in your body. It’s a structural component of cell membranes, helps to make certain hormones, and aids in fat-soluble vitamin absorption, among other functions. However, not all cholesterol is equal, and too much bad cholesterol can be harmful to your heart.

Cholesterol falls into two primary categories: good and bad. Good cholesterol, formally known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is a beneficial cholesterol that helps transport harmful cholesterol particles out of your body. You want high levels of HDL to keep your heart healthy.

It’s the harmful substances that you want in low numbers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides (a type of bad fat connected with heart disease).

LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in high levels, or HDL in low levels, can increase your risk of:

• Atherosclerosis
• Heart disease 
• Heart attack 
• Gallstones 
• Stroke
• Clots 

Needless to say, it’s important to monitor your cholesterol regularly and make any necessary lifestyle changes if your cholesterol levels become problematic. 

What should my cholesterol be?

The leading cardiology team at Heart & Vascular Institute provides routine lipids checkups to monitor your cholesterol levels throughout the course of your life. For optimal heart health, your cholesterol numbers should be as follows:

• Total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL
• VLDL below 30 mg/dL
• Triglycerides below 150 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL (for men) and above 50 mg/dL (for women)

If you have certain risk factors, such as a personal or family history of heart disease, your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute may have stricter cholesterol numbers they want you to reach. 

How does a doctor treat high cholesterol?

If your total, LDL, or VLDL cholesterol levels are high, or if your HDL is too low, your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute designs a personalized treatment plan. 

In general, making lifestyle changes is the best way to lower your cholesterol and keep it at a stable level for life. Your cardiologist may recommend:

• Getting more exercise
• Increasing your dietary fiber
• Losing excess body weight  
• Learning to manage stress
• Quitting smoking

If your cholesterol is a serious concern, your cardiologist may recommend medications. Cholesterol-lowering medications include fibrates, statins, niacin, PCSK9 inhibitors, or other drugs to help stabilize your cholesterol over time.

If you have a history of high cholesterol, don’t hesitate another day to book an exam at Heart & Vascular Institute. You can conveniently schedule your lipids checkup online or by phone with any office.