Your blood cholesterol level... is it good, or does your doctor just tell you that?

January 26, 6:42 AMDisease Prevention ExaminerPeggy Kraus

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Knowing your blood cholesterol allows
you to take control. Photo.

This scenario is similar to the first one: You sit on your doctor's table as he or she evaluates the results of your recent blood work. After a mindful pause, he or she tells you that, "Your bllod cholesterol level is good."

But, is it really "good"?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that blood cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dl are "desirable or optimal;" therefore, most doctors use this figure as a guideline to evaluate blood cholesterol levels and the need for intervention.

So that means, if your cholesterol level is under 200 mg/dl, your doctor will most likely say nothing about it. This is a real disservice to people with cholesterol levels between 150 and 200 mg/dl.

We know that total blood cholesterol levels over 150 can -- and do -- result in heart attacks. Research data show that 25% of people who have heart attacks have total cholesterol levels between 180 and 210 mg/dl. Other research has shown that 33% of people with heart disease have cholesterol levels between 150 and 200 mg/dl. The optimal level for LDL cholesterol is below 70 mg/dl.

It is my observation that most doctors will not treat a cholesterol level that is under, at, or slightly higher than 200 mg/dl, unless you have a past incidence or strong family history of certain health conditions. You may be told to watch your diet and to exercise, but even slightly elevated numbers usually do not result in any medication therapy. "Let's watch it," you may be told.

Because most doctors do not have time or the knowledge to properly counsel you on both diet and exercise, you MUST be proactive.  If your doctor will not provide specifics about how to lower your cholesterol, ask for a referral to a health professional who will give you the advice and the knowledge you need.

Along with regular exercise, a prudent plant-based diet can help to lower your blood cholesterol level as well as your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.