Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol:

• Is a protein that is found in plasma.
• Plays an important role in hormone use in the brain and building of healthy cells, as well as some vital hormones.

Types of Cholesterol:

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): considered the "good" cholesterol. 
• Function: Deliver cholesterol to liver or hormone producing organs.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Considered the "bad"cholesterol.
• Reason: This type of protein attaches to other proteins in the blood and over time can begin to deposit on the walls of blood vessels. This, in turn, leads to narrowing of the walls of blood vessels.

Lifestyle Choices Associated with Cholesterol:

• Maintain a healthy weight for your gender, age, height, and build.
• Losing excess weight, even 5-10 pounds, can help lower total blood cholesterol levels.
• Eat Heart-healthy foods.
• Examples: whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice); fruits and vegetables; fish (especially salmon, mackerel, and herring.
• Exercise regularly.
• 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week can help improve cholesterol levels.
• Don't smoke. 
• If you currently smoke, don't be discouraged! Quitting can improve your HDL level.And the benefits don't end there. Just 20 minutes after quitting, your blood pressure decreases. Within 24 hours, your risk of heart attack decreases. Within one year, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker's. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is similar to that of someone who's never smoked.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• This means one drink a day for women, and one to two drinks a day for men. 

Guideline Numbers for Total Cholesterol:

• Desirable: Below 200mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200-239mg/dL
• High: 240mg/dL

*Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood in the United States and some other countries. Consider these numbers as general guidelines when you get your lipid panel (cholesterol test) results back to see if your cholesterol falls in optimal levels.