Blue Cross explains cholesterol and what you can do to stay heart healthy. If you have risk factors for high cholesterol, schedule an appointment to have a blood test today.
What causes high cholesterol and why is it a concern?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that flows in your bloodstream. It comes from your liver and your diet. High cholesterol is one of the major factors affecting risk of heart disease.
When your cholesterol level is high, it can cause hardening of your arteries. This happens when plaque builds up inside your blood vessels, which can block blood flow. The plaque can also break off and put you at risk for a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.
How common is high cholesterol in Minnesota?
According the Minnesota Department of Health, high cholesterol affects 15% of Minnesotans and nearly half of Minnesotans over age 65.*
How is cholesterol level measured?
Cholesterol level is measured with a blood test. Your total cholesterol includes the following three measures:
- LDL: low-density lipoproteins, also known as “bad cholesterol”
- HDL: high-density lipoproteins, also known as “good cholesterol"
- Triglycerides: other fats in the blood
The most important number is LDL. Your doctor will take a look at the LDL number to assess your risk and determine whether and how to treat you:
- If you already have heart disease or had a heart attack or stroke, your LDL should be below 70.
- If you have a risk factor for heart disease (such as diabetes), your LDL should be below 100.
- If you have no known risk factors for heart disease, your LDL should be below 130.
What are healthy cholesterol guidelines?
Adult men and women over age 21 should have a blood test to check their baseline cholesterol level. Cholesterol should be checked every five years or more often if you have risk factors.
These factors put you at higher risk of heart disease:
- Family history: If you have a first degree family member who had a heart attack, stroke or was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 (men) or age 65 (women)
- Health history: If you have diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar or high triglycerides; or you are on certain medications
- Lifestyle factors: If you smoke, are obese, have a sedentary lifestyle, eat an unhealthy diet or use alcohol to excess
- Gender: If you are a male or a post-menopausal female
- Age: The risk for heart disease increases with age
How is high cholesterol treated?
If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
- Medications: Cholesterol drugs called statins work well and have few side effects. Get help taking medications as prescribed.
- Changes in your diet: Reduce high-fat meat and dairy and trans fats often found in processed foods
- Cholesterol level check: Your doctor may want to check LDL levels regularly to make sure they are in range
What can I do to lower my cholesterol level?
You can avoid or reduce high cholesterol and your risk of heart disease by making these healthy choices:
- Eat a balanced diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats
- Don’t smoke
- Limit how much alcohol you drink
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Have regular doctor visits
More healthy resources
Learn more about preventive care
Preventive care for women
Preventive care for men
Preventive care as you age
Learn about Medicare