What is cholesterol?
It’s hard to turn on the television or walk down a grocery market aisle without seeing the word cholesterol. But what exactly is it? Here’s a quick review:
Cholesterol refers to a wax-like substance that’s present in the fats, or lipids, in your blood, which provides the necessary fuel for your body. But your body only needs so much, and if there are more lipids in your blood than your cells need, the extra fats begin to build up in your blood.
That buildup, in turn, impedes your blood from flowing freely and your heart may not be getting the oxygen it needs for optimal function.
What constitutes high cholesterol?
When the medical experts at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond measure your cholesterol levels, they measure two things:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which causes the buildup and is known as the “bad” cholesterol
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, which collects excess cholesterol
Ideally, your body should have a proper ratio between the two. Your LDL numbers should fall under 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and your HDL should be higher than 40 mg/dL. When looking at a combination of numbers, here’s how it breaks out:
- Desirable cholesterol levels: Under 200 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
- High: Over 240 mg/dL
What are the complications of high cholesterol?
The primary concern when it comes to high cholesterol is a cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits along your arterial walls. Depending upon the extent of the accumulation, atherosclerosis can cause considerable damage to your arteries, as well as lead to a heart attack or stroke.
How is high cholesterol treated?
The good news when it comes to high cholesterol is that there is a lot you can do to reverse your numbers, with the right medical help. The physicians at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond take a multi-pronged approach that provides both short-term and long-term solutions, which includes:
- Nutritional counseling
- Exercise and weight loss programs
- Medications
- Lifestyle recommendations, such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption
It’s essential that you stay on top of your progress by getting your numbers checked regularly. The medical team will set up an appropriate schedule so they can best monitor your cholesterol levels.
To get started on gaining the upper hand on your high cholesterol numbers, call Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond, or use the easy online tool to schedule an appointment.
