Many patients (and doctors) often worry about cholesterol levels. This is because those with high cholesterol levels have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and other health problems. The risk of these health problems increases as the level of cholesterol increases.
But not all cholesterol is bad. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the blood, and some of it forms an essential part of the cells in the body and is also needed to make substances in the body like hormones. It becomes a problem when you have too much bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol comes from two places — from our own bodies and from the food we eat. The liver makes all the cholesterol we need, but if we consume an excess of saturated and trans fats, the liver produces more.
The extra cholesterol in the blood can get stored in the liver and cause fatty liver disease. Cholesterol can build up inside our arteries, making it more difficult for blood to circulate. This build-up can also create blockage and the development of blood clots. These can be life-threatening and, depending on where the blockage happens, can have devastating effects. If it’s a blockage in the heart, it can cause a heart attack. If this happens in the brain, it can cause a stroke.
Cholesterol levels are checked with a blood test and there are different types:
- LDL cholesterol
— Low-density lipoprotein is called the “bad” cholesterol. Health problems are associated with high LDL levels.
- HDL cholesterol
— High-density lipoprotein is called the “good” cholesterol. Having high HDL levels tends to lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other health problems.
- Non-HDL cholesterol
— Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL cholesterol.
- Triglycerides — Triglycerides are technically not cholesterol. They are another type of fat that comes from the food we eat, including butter and oils. Excess calories, alcohol and sugar in the body also turn into triglycerides and are stored in the liver and fat cells throughout the body. Having high triglycerides also seems to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Total cholesterol — The sum of the different types of cholesterol. This number can be elevated due to an elevation in any of the other kinds of cholesterol, including good cholesterol. It is important to look at the individual types of cholesterol to see which kind is causing the total cholesterol to be high.
To control your cholesterol levels, limit or avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats like fatty cuts of meat, processed meats, chips, butter, cakes, cookies, full-fat dairy products and fried food like fast food, French fries and donuts.
It is important to have more plant-based foods in your diet, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Also consider low-fat dairy, poultry (without the skin) and unsaturated vegetable, oils such as canola or olive oil.
Health problems are also associated with high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flax, flaxseed oil and chia seeds, can help lower triglyceride levels. Avocados (high in unsaturated fat), red wine (in moderation) and high-fiber fruits and grains like apples, pears, prunes and oatmeal are also known to decrease LDL levels and can help increase HDL levels.
Exercise can also help raise HDL, lower LDL and triglycerides, improve blood flow throughout your body, send more oxygen to your muscles and lower your blood pressure.
Despite a strict diet, some still cannot get their cholesterol levels under control. This can be due to a genetic condition familial hypercholesterolemia, a disorder that prevents the liver from removing excess LDL cholesterol from the blood.
In these cases, patients need cholesterol-lowering medication. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it exactly as directed. And even when your cholesterol levels improve, ask your doctor if the dose needs to be reduced to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels do not need to be very low as the body needs some to function properly.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor. And only stop taking your medication when your doctor says it’s okay to do so.