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You have come to the right place to learn about cholesterol. Click on the links below for more information:
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your body and is necessary for cells to function. There are different types of cholesterol in your blood, including:
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol
Triglycerides which are fat molecules that the body uses for energy
Approximately 80% of your blood cholesterol is produced by the liver, the remaining 20% is produced in your body from the food that you eat
Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to produce more cholesterol
It is possible to lower the level of blood cholesterol by making dietary changes, but for some individuals, medications may be necessary to adequately lower blood cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk for developing heart disease
If you have elevated levels of cholesterol in your blood, there is more opportunity for the cholesterol and other substances to soak into the lining of the blood vessels in the body, forming blockages called “plaque”. If they become large enough, the blockages may interfere with the flow of blood through the artery, depriving cells of receiving oxygen. If blockages occur in the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, you may experience symptoms of chest pain or discomfort; if part of the blockage breaks apart and a blood clot forms, it may completely stop the flow of blood through the artery and cause a heart attack.
Most often, elevated cholesterol alone does not produce symptoms, but rather, the symptoms occur as a result of a secondary health problem such as a blockage in the artery. The best way to know if your cholesterol is elevated is by having a test done to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Not everyone needs to have their cholesterol tested, so ask your doctor if this is something that you should have done. According to Canadian guidelines, you should have your cholesterol tested if you have one or more of the following:
Man over the age of 40
Woman over the age of 50
Adult with diabetes
Family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
Personal history of heart disease, stroke, or blood vessel blockages elsewhere in the body
Adults with 2 or more risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle)
There are several things you can do to control you cholesterol:
Modify your diet – Eat according to Canada's Food Guide
Choose foods that contain less fat and cholesterol such as skim milk or low-fat dairy products, lean cuts of meat, “fat free” salad dressings
Use cooking methods that do not add fat to food such as broiling or steaming
Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes
Control your body weight
If you are overweight, the excess weight can lower the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and increase the amount of “bad” cholesterol, including LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides
If weight loss is your goal, consult your physician or dietitian to choose a method of weight loss that is most suitable for your situation
Be physically active
Not getting adequate exercise may result in lower amounts “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and increase the amount of triglycerides in your blood
Try to incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle – even small increments of physical activity may be beneficial. Ideally, one should exercise for at least 30 minutes of continuous exercise, on most days of the week. The types of exercise that are most beneficial for your cholesterol is aerobic or cardiovascular activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Before you start a regular exercise program, it is important you first check with your physician.
Don't Smoke!
Smoking cigarettes can lower the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol)
Smoking cigarettes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so if you have a cholesterol abnormality and you smoke, you are at greater risk for having a problem with your heart or other blood vessels
Resources are available to help smokers stop smoking – some smokers may need medication to help them to quit for good. If you are a smoker interested in stopping smoking, talk with your family physician or other health care professional
The following links are resources that offer information and help with cholesterol.
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Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors
