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SO
what are your cholesterol
numbers?
If you’re drawing a blank right
now, it could mean you’re overdue
for the routine blood test that helps
give a heads-up on your risk for
heart problems or a stroke.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance
that helps our bodies function prop-
erly. e liver makes the cholesterol
we need, but we can get more from
what we eat.
e two main types of cholesterol
are:
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL),
or bad cholesterol. Excess amounts
can build up in the walls of arter-
ies, narrowing the passageways and
reducing blood ow to the heart and
brain. is is called atherosclerosis—
or hardening of the arteries—and it
increases your risk for heart disease,
a heart attack or a stroke.
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High-density lipoprotein (HDL),
or good cholesterol. It helps clear ex-
cess cholesterol from blood vessels.
Keeping cholesterol levels in a
healthy range helps reduce your risk
for cardiovascular disease. But you
won’t know if your numbers need
improving unless you have them
checked. A simple blood test called a
lipoprotein pro le reveals your total
cholesterol count as well as levels
of LDL and HDL cholesterol and
another type of fat called triglycer-
ides. Most adults should be tested at
least every ve years, according to
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute.
Your doctor can explain what
your numbers mean along with what
your cholesterol goals should be. If
you need to improve your numbers,
talk to your doctor about what you
Keep cholesterol in check
S E P T E M B E R
I S N A T I O N A L
C H O L E S T E R O L
E D U C A T I O N
M O N T H
For better or worse, the fats in the
foods you eat can play a big role in your
cholesterol levels. Here’s a roundup of
the good, the bad and the downright
ugly.
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Saturated fats. These are a leading
dietary cause of high blood cholesterol
levels. They are found in foods such as
beef, lamb, coconut oil, palm oil and
full-fat dairy products.
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Trans fats. These bad boys may raise
cholesterol levels even more than
Figuring out the fats in your diet
saturated fats. Limit foods containing
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated
oils (another name for trans fats), such
as doughnuts, cookies, crackers, some
margarines and french fries.
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Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated
fats. Aim to include these better-for-you
fats in your diet in place of saturated and
trans fats. Nuts; seeds; avocados; sh; and
canola, olive, corn and sa ower oils are
all sources of these healthier fats.
Source: American Heart Association
can do. Lifestyle changes such as
these can help:
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Adopt a healthy diet low in satu-
rated fats, trans fat and cholesterol
and high in ber, fruits and veggies.
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Get at least 60 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic activity each week.
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Lose weight, if needed.
Some people also need medicines
to help lower cholesterol. But even
if you take medications, lifestyle
changes are important.
Take the rst step. Ask your doc-
tor about having your cholesterol
checked, and learn your numbers.
CHOLESTEROL
life and health
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