BE IN CONTROL
KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol consists of 3 main parts:
1) LDL:
Low Density Lipoproteins
  • The “bad” cholesterol. 
Goal for normal folks
  • Below 130
    (the lower the better). 
Goal for diabetics and anyone with any vascular disease
(heart disease, stents in any arteries, peripheral arterial disease in legs, Carotid artery blockage, stroke, dementia)
  • Below 100
    (heart docs prefer below 80).
How you can lower your LDLs
  • Lose weight. 
  • Eat less saturated fats. 
  • Eat more fiber. 
2) HDL: 
High Density Lipoproteins 
  • The “good” cholesterol.  
Goal for everyone
  • Above 40
    (the higher the better). 
How you can raise your HDLs
  • Exercise. 
  • Lose weight.
3) TG:
Triglycerides
  • The “bad” triglycerides.
Goal for everyone
  • Below 150.
How you can lower your TGs
  • Lose weight.
  • Lower your sugar intake.

Other Measures under Investigation:

There are other types of cholesterol and potential risk factors that are currently not standard measures:
  • LpA – Lipoprotein A.
  • CRP - C-reactive protein - a measure of inflammation.
  • Homocysteine – a risk factor for clots.

The JUPITER Study

This study put normal people who had elevated CRP, a measure of inflammation, on a statin (cholesterol medicine). These people didn’t have other usual risk factors for heart disease. The study was stopped early because statins significantly reduced incidence of heart attack and stroke. This showed that statins act as anti-inflammatories for arteries and plaques.

Some Helpful Links

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1516

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-cholesterol/DS00178