Heart disease is the principal cause of death on a global scale. In the United States alone, a person passes away from cardiovascular issues every 33 seconds. One of the most important ways to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke is to regularly check your levels through cholesterol screenings.
Read on to understand what cholesterol is, why high cholesterol is dangerous, who should be screened and when, and how to lower cholesterol levels.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance similar to fat that cells in our bodies use. The liver produces cholesterol, which is then transported to cells via particles called lipoproteins. There are a few key types of lipoproteins:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol because when levels in the bloodstream are high, LDL particles can accumulate in artery walls and increase inflammation and plaque buildup. This narrowing of arteries is called atherosclerosis and significantly boosts the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL is dubbed “good” cholesterol because it shuttles cholesterol back to the liver to be eliminated from your system. Higher HDL levels are linked with lower cardiovascular risk.
- Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL also contributes to contribute to plaque buildup and heart disease risk when elevated.
The Dangers of High Cholesterol
Many large research studies have definitively shown that adults with high blood cholesterol levels have a substantially higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those with optimal levels. Here’s why:
When you have large numbers of LDL particles circulating in the bloodstream, they can penetrate the walls of arteries and become trapped. Once inside artery walls, LDL particles trigger inflammation, which causes dangerous plaque buildup over time.
This plaque narrows the path for blood to flow, depriving tissues and organs of oxygen. Plaques can also rupture, forming clots that completely jam up arteries, resulting in heart attacks or strokes.
Plaque accumulation starts early — as early as childhood and adolescence — but it happens slowly over decades. That’s why getting screened regularly throughout life is so important for prevention.
Detecting and addressing high cholesterol early on allows more time to make important lifestyle changes and lower cardiovascular risk before irreversible damage occurs.
Who Should Be Screened and When
Medical experts, including the American Heart Association (AHA), have issued evidence-based guidelines on who should have their cholesterol levels checked and how often based on age and risk factors:
Children & Adolescents:
All kids should have a cholesterol screening between ages 9-11, before puberty.- Children with a family history of extremely high cholesterol or heart disease should start screenings around age 2.
Adults 20 Years and Older:
- Adults without major risk factors should have screenings at least once every 4-6 years.
- People with higher levels of risk due to factors such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of early heart disease or high cholesterol should get tested more often as recommended by their healthcare providers.
People diagnosed with genetic cholesterol disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) require specialized treatment and more frequent monitoring.
Knowing Your Cholesterol Numbers
When you get your cholesterol test results back, the key numbers to pay attention to are:
- LDL cholesterol: optimal level is under 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: levels over 60 mg/dL are desirable
- Total cholesterol: ideally under 200 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: optimal below 150 mg/dL
The results should also indicate your 10-year risk estimate for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This percentage estimate accounts for your cholesterol figures in addition to age, blood pressure, smoking status, and other CVD risk factors.
If your estimated 10-year ASCVD risk is over 10% or you have other high-risk indicators such as family history or diabetes, your doctor will likely prescribe a statin medication. Statins have been proven safe and effective through numerous major clinical trials. The goal is to lower LDL levels by at least 30-50%.
Lifestyle Changes Are Key
Regardless of whether cholesterol medication is recommended, making heart-healthy lifestyle modifications should be the foundation:
- Follow an optimal diet consisting of lots of produce, whole grains, lentils, seeds, beans, nuts, and fatty fish. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and red or processed meats.
- Get 2.5 hours per week of moderately intense exercise, such as rapid walking.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
Regular cholesterol screening allows you to monitor the impact of lifestyle changes on your cholesterol over time. Numbers going in the wrong direction are a red flag for increasing cardiovascular risk. Screenings also ensure medication dosages can be quickly adjusted if needed.
Get Your Cholesterol Screening from North Carolina’s Top Primary Care Profesionals
Similar to blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels throughout life is absolutely essential for reducing the risk of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death globally.
Get screened as recommended for your age, know your numbers, and work with your doctor to make lifestyle and treatment adjustments accordingly.
Imperial Center Family Medicine can provide knowledgeable guidance on managing cholesterol for optimal heart health.
Contact our friendly team today at 919-873-4437 or online to discuss getting your annual cholesterol screening scheduled.