Cholesterol/Lipids—
What Is It?
I'm having difficulty handling this all alone.
Lipids are fats found in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two types of lipids. You may have either high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or both. Here's what you need to know.
What is high cholesterol?
Your body needs some cholesterol, but you can have too much. When you have too much cholesterol, it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
What are high triglycerides?
Your body stores triglycerides for later use as energy. When you have too much fat, it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
Why are lipids dangerous?
- Blood brings needed oxygen to your heart.
- When blood vessels, like arteries, get blocked by lipids, it is hard for blood to move through the blood vessels.
- If an artery in the heart gets completely blocked, then your heart does not get the oxygen it needs.
Am I at risk for heart disease?
Along with high lipid levels, there are many other risk factors for heart disease. As the chart shows, many of these risk factors can be controlled.
My Numbers—Ask About Each One
From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
- Total cholesterol is the amount of all cholesterol in your blood. The higher the number, the greater your risk for heart disease. Your doctor may want you to lower this number.
- LDL cholesterol is the "bad cholesterol" that sticks to your blood vessels and blocks blood flow. Your doctor may want you to lower this number.
- HDL cholesterol is the "good cholesterol" that prevents cholesterol from sticking to your blood vessels. Your doctor may want you to raise this number.
- Triglycerides is a type of fat that is carried through the blood. High levels may be a sign of heart disease. Your doctor may want you to lower this number.
Taking care of high lipids every day
- Talk to your doctor about the changes you can make to lower your lipids and your risk of heart disease.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat.
- Start a regular exercise program.
- If you smoke, ask about ways you can quit.
- Try to lose weight and keep it off.
- Take your medicine as directed.
Use the Goal Checklist. Set goals that you are ready to reach.
