One of the biggest misunderstood things is cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, which is why it’s so important to have your cholesterol checked regularly. Your doctor will do a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels, where the test will assess the several types of fat in the blood. When this happens you will receive four results, but what does each number mean?
The test will give you four results:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL good cholesterol
- LDL bad cholesterol
- Triglycerides
What’s the difference? According to the American Heart Association:
Total blood (or serum) cholesterol
Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level.
HDL (good) cholesterol
With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at higher risk for heart disease. People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower HDL cholesterol. Genetic factors, type 2 diabetes, smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol.
LDL (bad) cholesterol
A low LDL cholesterol level is considered good for your heart health. However, your LDL number should no longer be the main factor in guiding treatment to prevent heart attack and stroke, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association. For patients taking statins, the guidelines say they no longer need to get LDL cholesterol levels down to a specific target number. A diet high in saturated and trans fats raises LDL cholesterol.
Triglycerides
Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in the body. Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. A high triglyceride level combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol is associated with atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What Can You Do?
There are things that you could to get your levels where they need to be. High cholesterol could lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If your levels are high, your doctor may suggest a prescription, but you can also try eating heart-healthy foods. She might suggest eating healthier fats, less red meat, eliminate trans fats and add more foods rich in omega-3s. Eating grains rich in fiber, like oatmeal can reduce your LDL bad cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes can help you live a healthier and longer life. Basic things like adding more vegetables, grains, nuts, eating less fatty foods, cutting back on sugar, adding more fiber, and exercise can cut your triglyceride levels in half. Quitting smoking improves your overall health, but it can improve our HDL cholesterol level.
Talk to your doctor. There are things that you can do in order to have your cholesterol levels under control. Plus other things like checking your blood pressure, blood sugar and maintaining your Body Mass Index can also contribute to a healthier life.Don’t take it for granted and get tested. It is recommended to get a cholesterol at least every 5 years when you’re over the age of 20.