Understanding How Cholesterol Impacts Your Health
You may have heard people talk about “good” and “bad” cholesterol but understanding how cholesterol affects your health involves more than looking at one number. Your cholesterol levels, other blood markers, and overall health can help your doctor assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Here is a brief overview of cholesterol, newer cholesterol markers and lifestyle habits that can help support your heart health.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells, make hormones and help digest food. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs, but cholesterol also comes from some animal-based foods.
There are two types of cholesterol commonly discussed:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol through the bloodstream. When there is too much LDL, it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. In general, lower LDL levels are better for heart health, but the right level for you depends on your overall risk and health history.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the bloodstream and back to the liver. But HDL is only one part of the picture. Your doctor will consider your HDL along with your LDL, triglycerides and other risk factors when evaluating your heart health.
Other Numbers on Your Cholesterol Test
Total cholesterol: This number includes cholesterol from different types of lipoproteins. Your doctor will look at it along with the rest of your lipid panel rather than considering this number alone.
Triglycerides: These are another type of fat in your blood. High triglycerides may increase your risk of heart disease, especially when combined with other risk factors.
Your doctor will look at all of these numbers together, along with factors such as your age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history and family history, to determine your overall cardiovascular risk.
Newer Cholesterol Markers You May Hear About
Cholesterol testing has evolved, and your doctor may recommend additional tests to provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular risk.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a): a type of cholesterol-carrying particle that is largely determined by genetics. Higher levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The latest guidelines recommend that Lp(a) be measured at least once in adulthood.
Apolipoprotein B, or apoB: a protein found on cholesterol-carrying particles. For some people, an apoB test can provide additional information about their risk for heart disease. Your doctor can determine whether this test is appropriate for you.
Why Early Cholesterol Screening Matters
“It is never too early to take a cholesterol screening test,” said Van La DO, a PIH Health cardiologist. “The American College of Cardiology recommends cholesterol screening for adults starting at the age of 19 and older. This helps identify and treat familial elevated cholesterol condition early on.”
Early screening can be especially important if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease at a young age. Identifying high cholesterol early gives you and your doctor an opportunity to address your risk and develop a plan to protect your heart health.
How Does Diet Affect Your Cholesterol?
Lifestyle habits are an important part of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting heart health. A heart-healthy eating pattern can include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans and other legumes
- Whole grains
- Foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy fats from foods such as avocados and olive oil
- Healthy animal protein choices are white meats such as chicken, turkey, and lean pork as well as seafood in moderation
It is also important to limit foods high in saturated fat, including fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products, and avoid trans fats whenever possible.
Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco can also support cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle changes are an important foundation, but they are not always enough to manage cholesterol. Depending on your individual risk, your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
If you have questions about your cholesterol levels or your risk for heart disease, talk with your doctor about an individualized evaluation.
