High cholesterol is something you can feel, right? Not necessarily.
In fact, high cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You may feel perfectly healthy and still have cholesterol levels that increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a simple blood test called a lipid panel.
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it a good time to understand what those numbers mean—and why keeping track of them is an important part of preventive care.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important functions, including building healthy cells and producing certain hormones.
But when certain types of cholesterol become too high, they can contribute to plaque buildup inside your arteries. Over time, this buildup can narrow the arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
A cholesterol test typically measures several different things:
LDL Cholesterol
LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL is commonly known as "good" cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. HDL is one part of your overall cardiovascular risk picture and should be considered along with your other cholesterol levels and health factors.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. High triglyceride levels—particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL—can increase cardiovascular risk.
Total Cholesterol
This number provides an overall measure based on the different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. While it can be useful, your healthcare provider will look at your complete lipid profile rather than relying on total cholesterol alone.
There isn't one cholesterol goal that's right for everyone.
While certain ranges can be useful for screening, your healthcare provider considers your cholesterol numbers alongside factors such as your age, family history, blood pressure, smoking history, diabetes, and whether you've previously had a heart attack or stroke.
That's particularly important when looking at LDL cholesterol. Some people may have an LDL goal below 100 mg/dL, while people at higher cardiovascular risk may need a considerably lower target.
Instead of focusing on achieving one universal "perfect" number, talk with your healthcare provider about what your numbers mean for your health.
For many healthy adults, cholesterol testing about every five years can be a reasonable starting point. However, you may need more frequent testing depending on your age, health history, cholesterol levels, medications, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Your healthcare provider can recommend a screening schedule that's appropriate for you.
If your cholesterol is higher than recommended, lifestyle changes may be one part of your treatment plan.
Heart-healthy habits can include:
For some people, lifestyle changes alone aren't enough to reach a healthy cholesterol level. Your healthcare provider may recommend medication based on your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.
You don't have to wait until something feels wrong to start paying attention to your heart health.
Knowing your cholesterol numbers gives you and your healthcare provider valuable information about your cardiovascular health and an opportunity to take action when needed.
This National Cholesterol Education Month, ask yourself: When was the last time I had my cholesterol checked?
If you don't know your numbers—or it's been a while since your last checkup—schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider at Thorek Memorial Hospital. A simple blood test can be an important step toward protecting your heart health for years to come.