High Cholesterol A Silent but Loud Killer

Health Tip Week August 9-13, 2010

High Cholesterol

I could not wait for next week. We recently participated in a city wide health fair and several people were rushed to the emergency room because of High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol (see previous tip on high blood pressure 7/20/10).

More that 98 million people in the United States are diagnosed with High Cholesterol. 

As a Community and Nation have to do something.

What is Cholesterol ?

Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance found in your blood stream. Interesting, the body needs cholesterol to help build and maintain cells, too much cholesterol can build up on your artery walls and cause problems.

The problem comes when too much is build up on the walls of your artery and turns into plaque that blocks the flow of blood to your heart and brain. 

Where does Cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol is found in our foods - eggs, red meat, and foods high in saturated fats.

Cholesterol is also produced naturally in our bodies through the liver and other cells.

What causes High Cholesterol?

• Heredity
• Weight
• Physical inactivity
• Age & Sex
• Alcohol use
• Mental Stress

 What are symptoms of High Cholesterol?

• No symptoms/Asymptomatic in early stages
• Yellowish patches around the eyelid (late stage)
• Whitish edges around cornea (later stage)

What are Healthy Cholesterol Numbers?

Blood Test Interpretation:

• Total Cholesterol
• Less than 200 (175 African Americans)
• 200-300 - borderline high risk
• 240 and higher - high risk
• HDL (high density lipoprotein) Good
• Less than 40 (men)
• Less than 50 (women)
• Greater than 60 danger
• LDL (low density lipoprotein) Bad
• Less than 100 optimal
• 100 - 129 above optimal
• 130-159 borderline high
• 160 - 189 high
• 190 - danger
• Triglycerides
• Less than 150 normal
• 150 - 199  borderline to high
• 200 - 499  high
• 500 and higher very high

How to treat and control High Cholesterol?

• First know your numbers (get tested)
• Diet
• Set dietary goals: low-fat diet, fruits, vegetables, less fat, and increase fiber 
• Exercise ( light aerobic, walking, swimming)
• Develop new shopping strategies (read food labels)
• Medications
• Herbal treatments
• Alternative therapies

We want to provide simple definitions and strategies about High Cholesterol.

Please get checked!

What would you suggest we do as a community and Nation to combat High Cholesterol? 


For more information go to http://www.healthcentral.com/, http://www.getcholesterolinfo.com/, http://www.webmd.com/



Live well
Doc V