September is National Cholesterol Education Month Published Sept. 10, 2007 By Maj. Joanne Ruggeri 49th Medical Group HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Do you know your cholesterol numbers and what they mean? High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for developing heart disease. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it causes a build up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, the buildup causes hardening of the arteries which eventually leads to narrowed arteries where blood flow to the heart is decreased or blocked. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States today, each year more than a million Americans suffer form heart attacks, and about a half million people die from heart disease. High blood cholesterol does not cause any symptoms; so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high. This is why it is important to know your cholesterol numbers. It is now recommended to have your cholesterol measured at least once every five years starting at the age of 20. It is best to obtain a "lipidprotein profile". This type of blood test requires a 12 to 14 hour fast. A lipid profile will provide information about total cholesterol; low density lipoprotein which is the bad cholesterol as high levels are the main source of buildup in arteries and developing heart disease; high density lipoprotein which is the good cholesterol as this helps removes cholesterol from the body by carrying cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. The HDL protects against heart disease, therefore higher numbers are better; and triglycerides is another form of fat in the blood which can raise heart disease risk. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. Total Cholesterol Level- Desired level is less than 200mg/dL 200-239mg/dL-Borderline High 240mg/dL and above-High LDL Cholesterol Level- Optimal level is less than 100mg/dL 100-129 mg/dL-Near Optimal/above optimal 130-159 mg/dL-Borderline High 160-189 mg/dL-High 190 mg/dL and above-Very High HDL Cholesterol Level- Higher numbers for HDL is good, as this protects against heart disease. A level less than 40mg/dL is considered a major risk. A HDLof 60mg/dL or greater helps lower risk of heart disease. Triglycerides Level- Borderline High if 150-199 mg/dL High if 200mg/dL or more Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, very high carbohydrate diet, genetics and physical inactivity all play a part in elevated triglycerides. Cholesterol can be reduced by a variety of choices: · Diet: Reduce saturated fats in diet, such as fatty meats, trans-fats, processed/fried foods. Substitute healthy choices such as lean meats, fruits and vegetables, fiber and cereal. Keep total dietary intake of cholesterol less than 200mg per day. · Weight: Being overweight can be a risk factor, it also tends to increase cholesterol, so losing weight can help lower the LDL and total cholesterol levels as well as raise HDL and lower triglyceride. · Physical Activity: regular activity can also help lower the LDL and raise the HDL cholesterol levels. It also helps with weight loss. Not being active is a risk factor for heart disease, it is recommended to be physically active for 30 minutes on most days, if not daily. Despite many people's efforts, some things cannot be controlled. These factors include the following: · Heredity: High cholesterol tends to run in families, which is more an inherited genetic condition which results in high LDL. It begins at birth, and often results in heart attacks at an early age. · Age and Sex: At puberty, men have lower levels of HDL than women, but as women and men get older, LDL cholesterol levels rise. Younger women have lower LDL level than men, but after age 55 they have higher levels than men. In summary, know your cholesterol levels, eat foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol, keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly and follow your healthcare provider recommendations. Please look for displays throughout the month at the 49th Medical Group, Health and Wellness Center and Commissary. For more information please contact call 572-7652. There are several classes to assist in maintaining good health.