Do you know your cholesterol numbers?

And what about trigylcerides? Lipids? Confused - read on!

There are two main types:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called bad cholesterol because high levels in the blood promote the build-up of plaque in the artery walls. Plaque can reduce the flow of blood through the arteries and can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack, or, if the blood flow to the brain is blocked, stroke.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) called the good cholesterol because it helps carry LDL-cholesterol away from the artery walls to the liver where it can be disposed of by the body.

Up to 20% of the cholesterol we need comes from the food we eat. The remainder (approximately 80%), is made by our liver.

High cholesterol can lead to a build up of plaque that narrows (or blocks) your arteries (atherosclerosis), which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What can you do?

Know your cholesterol levels! People with high risk levels typically have twice the risk of heart disease. There are no symptoms. You must have your levels checked through blood testing. Ask your doctor for a copy of your blood test results after each check and keep a ongoing record in a binder.

In the US the most common form of measurement is:

• Desirable = less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline-high risk = 200–239 mg/dL
• High risk = 240 mg/dL and over

Another way of measuring the recommended levels for people with heart disease is in mmol/L as shown in the table below. This form of measurement is used in many countries outside the US.

• Lower your levels! Reducing your levels by 10 percent reduces your risk of future coronary illness by 20 percent.

• Choose healthy fats such as those found in nuts and fish.

• Avoid trans fats often found in foods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, hard margarines, fast foods, and many processed foods. Trans fats raise bad and lower good cholesterol.

• Eat more vegetables and fruit.

• Snack wisely. Choose fruit and nuts rather than junk food snacks.

• Use lower-fat cooking methods such as baking, broiling, or steaming and avoid fried food.

• Quit smoking. Smoking increases LDL (bad)- which you don't want.

• Get exercise. Being physically active can improve HDL (good) levels.

• If you are taking medications, take as directed.

Triglycerides

The American Heart Association has set guidelines for triglyceride levels:

Note that triglyceride levels should be tested after fasting 8 to 12 hours. Triglyceride levels increase temporarily for a period of time after eating.

The American Heart Association notes that diets high in carbohydrates (>60% of total caloric intake) can cause higher triglyceride levels. Insulin is the mechanism behind this; carbohydrate consumption increases insulin production, which increases triglyceride production. (Exercise and reduced carbohydrate consumption prevent insulin overproduction.)

Triglyceride levels are reduced by Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flax seed oil or other sources (recommended up to 3g per day in US, but up to 2g in Europe where it should be associated with Omega-6 with an ideal ?_6/?_3 ratio, unless under physician care)[5]; Omega-6 fatty acids; one or more grams of niacin (mega-dose vitamin B-3) per day; and some statins.

So while these fats play important roles in our bodies, elevated levels are a major risk factor for heart disease. And, according to the Mayo Clinic Heart Book, "approximately 55 percent of American adults have total levels higher than 200 mg/dL," which puts them at risk (see above).

If you have heart disease, your doctor will be watching your lipid and triglyceride levels. To reduce your risk, your doctor may want your levels even lower than what is considered desirable for the general population.

I already have heart disease... Isn't it too late?

• reduces the further development of blockages and heart attacks
• reduces the need for angioplasty
• reduces the need for bypass surgery
• reduces death rates

Everyone can benefit from lower levels - if you have heart disease, it's well worth the effort because you can reduce future heart disease and live longer.

Medication

1. What is the name of the medication?

2. What is the medication supposed to achieve?

3. When and how should I take my medication?

4. What foods, drinks, or other medications should I avoid when taking this medication?

5. What are the possible side effects. What should I do if I experience them?

6. How long will I be taking this drug?

7. Can you provide further information about this medication?

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