Cholesterol and Your Health

What is cholesterol?Cholesterol is a substance made by the liver and also supplied in foods such as meats, poultry, whole milk and dairy products. Cholesterol is needed (in the body) to insulate nerves, make cell membranes and produce certain hormones.Which is the "Bad Cholesterol"? Which is the "Good Cholesterol"?LDL is the bad cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from your arteries. HDL reduces your risk of heart attack. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries.Why is reducing my cholesterol important?When there is too much bad cholesterol in your blood, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of your arteries. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is cut off, the result is a heart attack.What does a cholesterol check result look like ?Usually the result gives you total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels.Total Cholesterol LDL HDL Triglyceride<200>60 High<240>190 Very HighWhat is your LDL goal?Your doctor will determine LDL goal based on risk factors.What lifestyle changes can help lower your cholesterol?1. Diet ChangeSaturated fat <7% caloriesCholesterol <200 mg/dayViscous,soluble fiber (10-25 g/day)Plant stanols/sterols (2g/day)2. Weight ControlBody mass index is a measure of body fat. It is based on your weight and height. If your BMI is 19-25, you have a normal weight. What you need to do is to maintain your current weight. If your BMI is 25-29.9, that means you are overweight. If your BMI is over 30, that means you are obese and you are at higher risk of getting heart diseases, diabetes and some cancers. Try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese.3. Physical activityAt least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days in a week is recommended.