Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Cholesterol is a substance found in blood. Everyone has some, but some people have too much. People with high cholesterol have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. 

 

What should my numbers be?

• Total cholesterol below 200

• LDL cholesterol below 130, or much lower if they are at risk of heart attack or ѕtrоkе

• HDL cholesterol above 60

• Non-HDL cholesterol below 160, or lower if they are at risk of heart attack or strоke

• Triglycerides below 150

 

​What should I do if I have high cholesterol?

• Stop smoking

• Treat high blood pressure

• A heart healthy – A "heart-healthy" diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats (like those found in fish, nuts, and certain oils). It also means limiting sugar and unhealthy fats.

• Medication management

• You can lower your LDL, or "bad," cholesterol by avoiding red meat, butter, fried foods, cheese, and other foods that have a lot of saturated fat.

• You can lower triglycerides by avoiding sugary foods, fried foods, and excess alcohol.

• Lose weight

• Exercise regularly

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Should I take medicine to lower cholesterol?

Not everyone who has high cholesterol needs medicines. Your provider will decide if you need them based on your age, family history, and other health concerns.  You should probably take a medicine if you:

• Already had a heart attack or stroke

• Have known heart disease

• Have diabetes

• Have a condition called "peripheral artery disease," which makes it painful to walk, and happens when the arteries in your legs get clogged with fatty deposits

• Have an "abdominal aortic aneurysm," which is a widening of the main artery in the belly

 

 

We can test for and treat this at Rocks and Roses in conjunction with a weight management program.