September has been designated Cholesterol Education Month, so this is a good time to go and get our blood cholesterol checked.
More than 102 million American adults (over 20 yrs old) have cholesterol levels that are considered too be above a healthy level. More than 35 million people have levels above 240, which puts them at high risk for heart disease.
What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and in many foods. It is not your enemy, but too much of it is. Your body needs cholesterol to function properly. Too much though, can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits can narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease or a stroke.
The tricky thing about high cholesterol is it has no symptoms. A simple blood test (lipoprotein profile) can detect it. This test will tell you your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Alot of times high cholesterol can be controlled through diet and exercise, naturopathic methods, or medication if need be.
Having your cholesterol checked should become a part of your annual check-up. If you are overweight, smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol, you are at a greater risk. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
If you have high cholesterol, what can you do to lower it?
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your high cholesterol.5 In addition, you can lower your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes:
* Low-fat and high-fiber food (Eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains).
* For adults, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. For those aged 6-17, getting 1 hour or more of physical activity each day.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Don't smoke or quit if you smoke.
CDC Programs That Address Cholesterol
National Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program
Since 1998, CDC has funded state health departments' efforts to reduce the number of people with heart disease or stroke. Health departments in 41 states and the District of Columbia currently receive funding for these activities. These programs promote policy and system level changes at the state and community level to support heart-healthy and stroke-free living and working conditions.
WISEWOMAN
The WISEWOMAN program helps women with little or no health insurance reduce their risk for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. The program helps women aged 40 to 64 years quit smoking, improve their diet, and increase physical activity. WISEWOMAN also offers tests for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. CDC funds 21 WISEWOMAN projects in 19 states and two tribal organizations.
Lipid Standardization Program
CDC's Environmental Health Laboratory serves as the world reference laboratory for measuring cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins. Doctors require accurate measurements to diagnose and properly treat people with high cholesterol levels. The laboratory helps ensure the quality of about 35 million cholesterol measurements made annually in the United States.
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