Cholesterol Screenings

Did you know your cholesterol level has a lot to do with your chances of having a heart attack or stroke?  The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. 

How Does Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your blood vessels.  They become narrowed or blocked, which decreases the blood supply.  Blood carries oxygen to your heart: if the flow is slowed down, you may experience chest pain.  If the blood supply is cut off by a blockage, you will have a heart attack.  (A stroke, for example, is caused when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked.)

What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

There are no symptoms of high cholesterol so many people do not realize their cholesterol is too high.  That’s why it is important to see your doctor and have a test called a fasting lipid profile.

What Affects Cholesterol Levels?

• Diet – Reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.
• Physical Activity – Be active for 30 minutes most days of the week.  Physical activity helps lower LDL and raise HDL.
• Weight – Maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5 – 24.9).
• Age, Gender and Heredity – You can’t change these, but they can also affect cholesterol levels.
  
  

What Can I Do to Reduce My Cholesterol and Decrease My Risk of Heart Disease?

• The first step is to initiate Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes.  This includes diet, exercise and weight management.
• Some people also need medicines to help lower their cholesterol.

Grab a friend or a relative and make a pledge to get your cholesterol checked, then work together to make changes to keep your cholesterol controlled and your heart healthy!

Your doctor can help you decide on the right treatment plan for you.