STATIX EZ

CHOLESTEROL MANAGEMENT

Why is high cholesterol bad?
Cholesterol is a natural substance found in our diet and is made by the liver. It is the key to many functions in our body. Yet, high levels of cholesterol are linked with atherosclerotic vascular disease, as well as, stroke, heart attack, heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (arteries of the legs). The presence of high blood cholesterol levels in the body over decades may result in the damage and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) that supply blood to the heart, brain and other organs. Over time, this may cause sudden heart attacks and strokes.

What are the good and bad cholesterols?
Cholesterol travels in the body in little packets of fat or droplets known as lipoprotein particles. These fat droplets which begin in the liver contain cholesterol or triglycerides, the other major fat in the blood. The two chief-lipoprotein particles of fat are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), each of which carries cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol. HDL is the "good" cholesterol. LDL carries most of the cholesterol in the blood, and can stay in blood vessels over time and lead to atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the blood vessels). Studies have shown that high levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to a greater risk for stroke and heart attacks [myocardial infarction or MI]. HDL particles help remove cholesterol from the arteries and return cholesterol to the liver. Studies have shown that high HDL cholesterol levels protect you from a heart attack. HDL also lowers your risk of a first or subsequent heart attack.

When should you get a check up?
Experts agree that screening for the level of cholesterol and HDL cholesterol is very important for men over 35 and women over 45 years of age. Most doctors recommend screening for men and women who are 20 years of age and older, and for children from families with a high risk of heart disease. People with healthy cholesterol levels (total cholesterol less than 200 or LDL cholesterol less than 100) should be re-checked every five years.

What should your cholesterol level be?
Know your numbers! Your doctor may screen total cholesterol and/or HDL cholesterol non-fasting or a fasting full lipid profile, in which the triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are measured. Fasting implies no intake of food or drink with calories for 12 hours before testing.

• Family History
• Diet
• Weight
• Exercise
• Alcohol