Why Should You Care About Cholesterol?

Overview

Cholesterol is necessary for normal bodily function, but when it gets too high, cholesterol can greatly increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause heart disease and may lead to heart attacks or strokes. Cholesterol levels are an accurate predictor of developing heart disease. Simple blood tests can reveal you your cholesterol levels. These measurements indicate your cholesterol related heart disease risk.

Why is high Cholesterol considered a "Risk?"

The reason high cholesterol levels are considered risky is that the cholesterol particles can stick to your artery walls. These particles are referred to as plaque and calcium. Plaque and calcium may begin to attach to artery walls often in areas that become inflamed or scarred. As this buildup increases, blood flow begins to be interrupted. This constriction impedes blood flow and starts to deprive the heart or the brain of much needed oxygen. In some cases pieces of this plaque may break off and become lodged in a smaller blood vessel and block of the blood flow entirely. The result is often a heart attack or stroke.

The Good, The Bad, The Very Bad

While your overall cholesterol level is an important determinant of risk for heart disease, there are other details to consider. It is more desirable if your HDL or “good” cholesterol is high. High Density Lipoproteins clean up the LDL or bad cholesterol that is circulating in your blood stream.

Low Density Lipoproteins are what gives cholesterol its bad name. The differences in density are how to determine if a cholesterol particle is good or bad. If a cholesterol particle is of low density, it is squishy and sticky. Squishy and sticky cholesterol particles are the ones most likely to stick to your arterial wall, leading to plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries.

There is another cholesterol type known as VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein). This cholesterol type carries the same risks as LDL cholesterol, but with much greater likelihood and severity. The common name for VLDL is "very bad" cholesterol.

The other substance in your blood that makes up the total cholesterol count is triglycerides. Triglycerides are a form of fat in your blood and although not technically cholesterol, high triglyceride levels are a serious risk factor for heart disease particularly for women.

Cholesterol Measurements

The following is a guidelline for commonly accepted "levels of goodness" in terms of cholesterol levels.

Total cholesterol level

• Below 200 is best.
• 200 to 239 is borderline high.
• 240 is very high with significantly increased risk of heart disease.

LDL cholesterol levels

• Below 100 is best.
• 100 to 129 is near optimal.
• 130 to 159 is borderline high.
• 160 is very high with significantly increased risk of heart disease.

HDL cholesterol levels

• Below 40 indicates higher risk of heart disease.
• 60 or higher greatly reduces your risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind if your HDL are in the very good range, and your LDL is in the borderline range, you are not likely at increased risk.