{"id":2307,"date":"2023-02-01T12:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T12:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=2307"},"modified":"2023-02-01T21:09:41","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T21:09:41","slug":"get-smart-about-cholesterol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2023\/02\/01\/get-smart-about-cholesterol\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Smart About Cholesterol"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women.<\/p>\n

February is Heart Month, a good time to review the many risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Things like high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, stress, and family history can all impact your heart, but one of the most common risk factors is high cholesterol. Our bodies can\u2019t function without cholesterol, but we can make lifestyle changes to keep it at a healthy level.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone can be at risk for high cholesterol,\u201d says cardiologist Perry Weinstock, MD, FACC<\/a>, Head of the Division of Cardiology<\/a> at Cooper University Health Care<\/a> and a member provider at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care<\/a>. \u201cHowever, cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, so starting healthy habits when you\u2019re young or learning new routines when you\u2019re older can help keep your cholesterol low.\u201d<\/p>\n

#1. Good vs Bad Cholesterol: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h3>\n

Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver that travels through the blood in different types of bundles called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol, can build up in the arteries and cause them to narrow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as \u201cgood\u201d cholesterol, carries the LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver to be broken down.<\/p>\n

Too much of the bad kind (or not enough of the good kind) increases the risk that cholesterol will slowly build up in \u2013 or even block \u2013 your blood vessels, particularly affecting your heart and brain, putting you at risk for heart disease or stroke.<\/p>\n

#2. Know Your Risks and Your Numbers<\/h3>\n

\u201cHigh cholesterol is mainly caused by\u00a0eating fatty foods and not getting enough exercise, but it can be hereditary,\u201d Dr. Weinstock says. \u201cHigh cholesterol doesn\u2019t have symptoms, which is why I encourage everyone to get annual blood work and review the results with their physician.\u201d<\/p>\n

A standard blood test will include a lipid panel (cholesterol panel). This measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy tracking lipoprotein levels over time,\u201d Dr. Weinstock says, \u201cI can work with my patients to stay on top of their cholesterol and triglyceride levels and make appropriate adjustments to keep them in an optimal range to reduce risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a quick guide of healthy and unhealthy lipoprotein levels.<\/h3>\n

Total cholesterol level:<\/strong><\/p>\n