For: High Cholesterol

To understand high blood cholesterol, it is important to receive a regular cholesterol screening to determine if you are at risk. First, it helps to learn about cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also is found in some of the foods you eat.

Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins. These packages are made of fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside. Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Having healthy levels of both types of lipoproteins is important. LDL cholesterol sometimes is called “bad” cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. HDL cholesterol sometimes is called “good” cholesterol. This is because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver filters your blood and removes the cholesterol from your body.

When you have high cholesterol, you may develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Your heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to your brain can cause a stroke. High cholesterol can be inherited, but is often preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication can go a long way toward reducing high cholesterol.

Learn more about cholesterol testing and other screening packages offered by HealthFair today.

What are the Warning Signs of High Cholesterol?

High blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. Thus, many people don't know that their cholesterol levels are too high. Ask your HealthFair professional for a baseline cholesterol test and then have your cholesterol retested at least every five (5) years. If your test results aren't within desirable ranges, your HealthFair professional may recommend more frequent measurements. They may also suggest you have more frequent tests if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or other risk factors— like smoking, diabetes or high blood pressure.

How do I know if I’m At Risk?

Many factors can affect the cholesterol levels in your blood. You can control some factors, but not others. You're more likely to have high cholesterol that can lead to heart disease if you have any of these risk factors:

Prevention:

As with most heart and circulatory system problems, your risk of developing high cholesterol lessens with a healthy lifestyle. Some of the key factors in maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle are:

If you have any of the above risk factors, then get screened today!