Posts Tagged ‘National Cholesterol Education Month’

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, with World Heart Day on September 29. It’s a perfect time to think about heart health and revisit how cholesterol plays a critical role.

Even if you do not have high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), everyone must lead a heart-healthy lifestyle!

Cholesterol: Broken Down

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)- Also known as ‘good’ cholesterol, HDL absorbs cholesterol in the blood and carries it to the liver to be flushed out of the body. High levels of HDL can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)- Also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, LDL makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. However, high levels of LDL can result in a fatty build-up (plaque) that raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides – Triglycerides are the most common fat in your body, storing excess energy from your diet. High triglyceride levels, in combination with high LDL and/or low HDL levels, can result in heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol Tests: Everyone gets them!

A cholesterol screening is a simple blood test. Prior to the test, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) 8 to 12 hours beforehand. However, always check with your doctor for their recommendations.

• Most healthy adults should get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
  • However, those with heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol may need to get their cholesterol checked more frequently (~once a year).
• Children and adolescents should get their cholesterol checked once between the ages of 9 to 11 and once again between the ages of 17 to 21.
  • However, children with obesity or diabetes may need to get their cholesterol checked more frequently (~once a year).

Your Next Steps

Checking in with your doctor annually ensures you get the care you need! But here are some things you can do to protect your heart health.

Leading a heart-healthy lifestyle involves:

• knowing your risk,
• making healthy choices
• taking steps to reduce your risk for heart disease

Take some time this month to try these preventative measures which can ultimately help your overall health and well-being.

References:

AHA (2020). HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) Cholesterol and Triglycerides. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides

CDC (2023). LDL and HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm

CDC (2023). Get a Cholesterol Test. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm

Images:

1. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/the-ten-ways-to-improve-your-heart-health