Ever heard the phrase “too much of a good thing”? Well that goes hand-in-hand with cholesterol levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs. When you have too much in your blood though, it can build up on the walls of your arteries and form blockages. This can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
According to the CDC, 71 million American adults have high cholesterol and only one-third of them have the condition under control. National Cholesterol Education Month is the perfect time to learn the different types of cholesterol and tips for living a heart-healthy life. HDL or high-density lipoprotein is considered “good” cholesterol while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad” cholesterol.
Small changes to your lifestyle, such as increasing physical activities, not smoking, losing weight and choosing healthier fats, can positively affect your HDL cholesterol. A full list of lifestyle changes can be found at Mayo Clinic: High Cholesterol. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, making screenings an important role in the detection process.
The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that adults ages 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. Prescription medication can be used for those struggling to lower their levels. The American Heart Association recommends statins for most patients because they are the only cholesterol-lowering drug class that has been directly associated with reduced risk for heart attack and stroke.
This month, take control of your health and create habits your heart will thank you for.
Learn more about Cholesterol Education Month at: