Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that travels through the body attached to proteins or lipids.
Our body needs some cholesterol to help cell and hormone production, but too much can be damaging. You can learn your numbers with a fasting blood test called a lipid panel.
High cholesterol measures over 200 mg of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. This can lead to build up in artery walls and hardening of the arteries. As a result, our likelihood of stroke (blockage to brain) and heart attack (blockage to the heart) increase.
Low density lipoprotein or LDL is considered bad cholesterol. It carries cholesterol to the tissues by traveling through the arteries. High LDL increases your risk for stroke and heart disease. Maintaining an LDL less than 100mg/dl is ideal.
HDL or high density lipoprotein is considered the good cholesterol. It transports cholesterol from the tissues to the liver, where it is removed from the body. An HDL of over 60 mg/dl helps to protect against heart disease.
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They come from the overflow of calories that your body intakes, but does not use. High triglycerides can also lead to increase risk of heart disease or stroke. Triglycerides should be maintained under 150 mg/dl.
High cholesterol does not have symptoms, but can be damaging. Know your numbers by making an appointment with your physician today!
This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center
If you have a question for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org