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VITALITY
Fall 2016
COMMUNITY
HO
CH
CH
H C
CH
CH
200
100
60
HDL
LDL
TOTAL
Sources: American Heart Association; National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
5must-knows about cholesterol
What do heart attack and stroke
have in common? Among other things, they share common culprits—
including too much cholesterol.
This soft, fatlike substance is found throughout the body—it’s in the bloodstream and in every cell. But
excessive levels, known as high blood cholesterol, can clog arteries in the heart and brain and block blood flow to
these vital organs. That boosts the likelihood of having a heart attack or a stroke.
The more you know about cholesterol, the more you can reduce your risk for these serious health problems.
Start here with these five facts.
HDL
carries
bad cholesterol
away to the
liver.
LDL
can build up in
artery walls, causing
them to narrow. That
can block blood flow.
1
Your body makes plenty.
It actually produces all the
cholesterol you need for good
health. Much of the cholesterol
that accumulates in arteries
comes from eating foods that
contain saturated or trans fats,
which the liver converts to
cholesterol.
2
There are good and
bad types.
Because it
accumulates in arteries, low-
density lipoprotein (LDL) is often
called bad cholesterol. You’ll want
less of this kind. But it’s fine to
have more high-density lipoprotein
(HDL)—the good type that helps
sweep arteries clean.
3
You need to be tested.
The only way
to know if your cholesterol levels are
in a healthy range is to get a blood test.
You should have your cholesterol checked
at least every four years or as often as your
doctor suggests.
4
Your numbers matter.
In general,
ideal numbers are less than
200 mg/dL for total cholesterol, less
than 100 mg/dL for LDL and 60 mg/dL
or higher for HDL. You may need your
total cholesterol or LDL level to be lower,
depending on your other risk factors.
5
Little changes help.
Eating a
healthy diet, exercising, losing
some weight (if you’re overweight) and
stopping smoking (if you smoke) can
all help bring your LDL level down and
raise your HDL level. If lifestyle changes
aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe
medication.
CMH offers monthly
Healthy Heart classes.
Call
417-328-6462
for
information.
WELLNESS