We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. This is particularly true when it comes to high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance your liver makes. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. But having too much of the bad type of cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein LDL — puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Click here to learn more. Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. It consists of:. The higher your HDL, the better. Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise.
As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. It's possible to have extremely low levels of LDL-C, but this is rare. This condition is usually a sign of a problem processing vitamins A, D, E, and K. If your levels of LDL-C are very high, the condition is called dyslipidemia.
High levels may mean that you have an imbalance in your diet. But the condition is often genetic and known as familial hypercholesterolemia. If your cholesterol level is higher than normal, your healthcare provider will tell you how to lower your level. Changing your lifestyle habits and taking medicines to reduce LDL levels may help you lower your risk for heart disease.
It can also help you manage the condition if you already have it. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded.
When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Foods that have high levels of saturated fats include some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase your cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower your LDL bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
It also raises your HDL good cholesterol level. Physical Activity. Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. It also helps you lose weight.
You should try to be physically active for 30 minutes on most, if not all, days. Cigarette smoking lowers your HDL good cholesterol. HDL helps to remove bad cholesterol from your arteries.
So a lower HDL can contribute to a higher level of bad cholesterol. Things outside of your control that can also affect cholesterol levels include: Age and Sex. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise. Before the age of menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
Get your children involved in the cooking process, too. Move more and make it enjoyable : Physical activity is beneficial for overall health, including heart health.
Being physically active is associated with healthier weight and improvement in cholesterol levels. School-aged children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Preschoolers are encouraged to move throughout the day, while adults should aim for a minimum of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity minutes per week and muscle training twice weekly.
This might seem overwhelming, but you can still reap the benefits of physical activity by exercising in minute intervals. The best way to start an exercise regimen is to find something you enjoy doing.
When you can, make it a family affair by going for a bike ride, a walk, or participating in a family-friendly game of basketball, kickball, or tag. However, if you have an existing health condition and are not exercising regularly, you should consult your physician before starting an exercise program. The AHA recommends quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke to improve cholesterol. Losing weight : Carrying too much weight in the abdomen can increase the risk of heart disease and is associated with increased LDL.
Excess weight has also been associated with low HDL. For children within a normal weight range, weight loss is usually unnecessary. In fact, depending on the age and whether there are any health conditions, most children benefit from maintaining their weight while they continue to grow. If you are worried about your child's weight, consider consulting with a registered dietitian or expressing your concerns with your pediatrician. Children can benefit from getting involved in meal planning, shopping, and cooking, reducing intake of sweetened beverages, and learning how to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Being a good role model and getting the entire family on board is also important for making changes and providing your child with confidence. If lifestyle changes alone don't help to reduce your cholesterol, you may need medications.
The decision to start medication will also depend on your medical history, age, weight, and if you have any other risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure and diabetes. There are many different types of medication for cholesterol. Your physician will help you find the right fit.
Medication may be indicated in children is if your child has inherited a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia. The Food and Drug Administration has approved certain statins starting at age 8, but discussions with your physicians are warranted.
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, so the recommended ranges for your cholesterol will depend on your age. Many factors affect your cholesterol levels in addition to age, including those over which you have control. If lifestyle changes cannot keep your cholesterol levels at a healthy level, your healthcare professional may recommend medication.
Keeping your cholesterol levels in normal range is important in the prevention of heart disease. If you've recently had a cholesterol screening and your levels are high there are many lifestyle changes you can make to get them in a healthier range. Make sure you write down any questions you have and follow up with your doctor with your concerns. There is no quick fix for reducing cholesterol , but there are plenty of ways to reduce your cholesterol naturally.
Eating a high fiber diet, reducing saturated fat, losing weight, exercising, and quitting smoking are just some of the things within your control. If lifestyle interventions are unsuccessful, medication is an option. Healthy cholesterol levels change with age because as we get older, cholesterol levels rise naturally. Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level from a young age can reduce the risk of heart disease later in life. Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol?
Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. A comparative study of lipid profile and oestradiol in pre- and post-menopausal women. J Clin Diagn Res.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Cholesterol levels in children and adolescents.
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