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Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every 5 years in everyone over age 20. The screening test that is usually done is a blood test called a lipid profile. Experts recommend that men 35 and older and women 45 and older be screened for lipid disorders more often. The lipoprotein profile includes:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol
- HDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol
- Triglycerides, fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Extra calories, alcohol, or sugar are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.
The first thing you need to know is that the numbers by themselves are not enough to predict your risk of heart problems or to determine what you need to do to lower that risk.
They’re just one part of a larger equation that includes your age, your blood pressure, your smoking status, and your use of blood pressure medicines. Your doctor will use this information to calculate your 10-year risk for serious heart problems.
Continued
The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk of heart problems and stroke. Taking steps to reduce any of these risks, including lowering cholesterol, may also help reduce other risk factors you have.
Together, you and your doctor will develop a strategy to reduce your risks.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every 5 years in everyone over age 20. The screening test that is usually done is a blood test called a lipid profile. Experts recommend that men 35 and older and women 45 and older be screened for lipid disorders more often. The lipoprotein profile includes:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol
- HDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol
- Triglycerides, fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Extra calories, alcohol, or sugar are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.
The first thing you need to know is that the numbers by themselves are not enough to predict your risk of heart problems or to determine what you need to do to lower that risk.
They’re just one part of a larger equation that includes your age, your blood pressure, your smoking status, and your use of blood pressure medicines. Your doctor will use this information to calculate your 10-year risk for serious heart problems.
Continued
The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk of heart problems and stroke. Taking steps to reduce any of these risks, including lowering cholesterol, may also help reduce other risk factors you have.
Together, you and your doctor will develop a strategy to reduce your risks.