How to Maintain a Healthy Cholesterol Level

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How to Maintain a Healthy Cholesterol Level

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans. High cholesterol is a contributing risk factor for heart disease. The good news is that you can reduce your risk for developing heart disease by keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Know Your Numbers

Everyone age 20 and older should have their blood cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a “lipoprotein profile” that measures your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglyerides.

Desirable Lipoprotein Measures
Total Cholesterol:	Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol:	Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL (“good) Cholesterol:	40- 59 mg/dL, the higher the better. 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease
Triglyerides:	Less than 150 mg/dL
Note: These levels apply to adults age 20 and older.

Ask your doctor to interpret your lipoprotein test results and discuss what they mean for you.

How to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels

Making the following lifestyle changes can help lower your cholesterol levels:

Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol,
Be physically active (exercise 30 minutes per day most days of the week),
Maintain a healthy weight, and
Do not smoke.

In some cases, lifestyle changes are not enough to lower cholesterol levels. Then your doctor may consider prescribing a cholesterol-lowering medication in addition to lifestyle changes.

Source: “Live Healthier, Live Longer,” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and the American Heart Association. ( Reported in Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute, August 2004)