High cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. If you have too much cholesterol, it builds up in your arteries.

Cholesterol is measured by a blood test (lipid panel) and here are the ideal results:

• Total cholesterol, less than 200 mg/dL
• HDL “healthy” cholesterol, 40mg/dL or higher
• LDL cholesterol, less than 100 mg/dL
• Triglycerides, less than 150 mg/dL

Many things can cause high cholesterol, including:

• Eating too much saturated fat and trans fat
• Being overweight and being inactive.
• Age. Cholesterol starts to rise after age 20.
• Family history

Some lifestyle changes are important for everyone with high cholesterol.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Include plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains and breads, and healthy fats like olive oil.
• Lose weight, if you need to. Losing just 5 – 10 lbs (2.3 – 4.5 kg) can lower your cholesterol.
• Get regular exercise. Walking is great exercise that most people can do. A good goal is 30 minutes or more a day.

Check out the following Best Health offerings to help you reduce your risk for high cholesterol.

• Healthy eating health coaching – Work one-on-one with a Best Health Coach.  
• Online high cholesterol learning module – Learn about cholesterol and lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent or manage high cholesterol.

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