According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 25 million people living in the U.S. have high cholesterol. It’s a major contributor to heart disease and stroke, yet most people don't even know they have it because there are no physical warning signs.
“Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid that is essential for the human body,” said Dr. Nicholas Campbell, general cardiologist at McLaren Greater Lansing Cardiovascular Associates. “While your body depends on cholesterol to function, having too much of it is a different story. High levels can lead to serious heart and vascular conditions that often go unnoticed.”
The most common way to check your cholesterol is through a routine blood test to check your lipid panel. There are several types of cholesterol, but the most common that doctors pay attention to when looking at your overall health is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), otherwise known as the “bad cholesterol,” and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or what is often referred to as the “good cholesterol.”
“High cholesterol, specifically LDL, has been well-established as a risk for heart disease,” said Dr. Campbell. “High LDL increases plaque buildup in the arteries that supply the heart with blood and oxygen. Plaque can limit blood flow slowly over time or can quickly rupture and cause a complete occlusion, leading to a heart attack.”
High cholesterol not only increases the risk of a heart attack, but it can also increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Your risk becomes much higher when combined with other factors such as smoking cigarettes or having diabetes, hypertension, or any first-degree relatives with heart disease.
Cholesterol goals change depending on your personal risk factors, but, for the average person, an LDL over 190 mg/dL is considered high, and that will require cholesterol medication. Additionally, diet modifications and exercise can help lower your cholesterol and the chances of heart disease.
“A Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes lean protein, is the most established diet to lower one’s risk,” said Dr. Campbell. “Eating fish (not fried) rich in omega-3s, two times per week, has also been shown to lower LDL levels. Additionally, adding in a consistent exercise routine can lower your LDL levels and raise HDL levels.”
Most adults should have their cholesterol screened starting at the age of 20. Individuals with high or elevated cholesterol levels should talk to their primary care providers or cardiologist about their options.
“There are many advancements in how we detect and evaluate your cardiovascular risk,” said Dr. Campbell. “Blood tests can provide a key insight, but, for those who are concerned about their risk or on the fence about whether they should be on cholesterol medication, we can do a coronary calcium scoring test that estimates how much plaque is in their coronary arteries.”
A Coronary CT Calcium Scoring Test (CAC) is a noninvasive ST scan that takes multiple pictures of the heart, revealing whether plaque is present, and to what extent. Click here to learn more.
For more information about McLaren Greater Lansing’s extensive Heart and Vascular Institute, click here.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Campbell, call (517) 913-6650.
For more articles on health and wellness from McLaren, click here.