Simple Screening, Healthier Hearts
National Cholesterol Education Month
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it the perfect time to learn what your cholesterol numbers mean and how they affect your heart health. Cholesterol screening is a simple blood test that measures distinct types of lipids, or fats, in your bloodstream. These results provide valuable information about your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other forms of cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so many people are unaware their levels are elevated. CDC Cholesterol Information.
Cholesterol numbers are more than just laboratory results. They help paint a picture of what may be happening inside your arteries. When LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called "bad cholesterol," is too high, it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in artery walls. Over time, this buildup narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to vital organs, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In contrast, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as "good cholesterol," helps protect the heart through a process called reverse cholesterol transport. HDL acts like a cleanup crew, collecting excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and artery walls and carrying it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. By helping clear cholesterol from the arteries, HDL may slow the formation of plaque that can narrow blood vessels and contribute to heart attacks and strokes. HDL also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help support healthy blood vessels. While higher HDL levels are associated with better cardiovascular health, maintaining healthy LDL levels remains the primary focus of cholesterol management.
Regular screening is important because high cholesterol is common. People with high cholesterol have about twice the risk of developing heart disease compared with those who maintain healthy levels. CDC Cholesterol Facts.
When Should Screening Begin?
Most healthy adults should begin cholesterol screening in early adulthood. Individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use, or a family history of heart disease may need more frequent testing. As people age, regular screening becomes even more important because cardiovascular risk increases over time.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
Several factors can increase cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. One thing you cannot change is your family history. Other risk factors can be improved by becoming more physically active, eating a lower-fat diet, avoiding tobacco and nicotine products, and maintaining a healthy weight. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also be managed with the guidance of your healthcare provider.
This National Cholesterol Education Month, take the opportunity to learn your cholesterol numbers and discuss your results with your healthcare provider. Understanding what those numbers mean is an important step toward protecting your heart and maintaining your health for years to come.
Sidebar: Tips for Lowering LDL Cholesterol
Lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on cholesterol levels. Consider these heart-healthy strategies to lower LDL:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes.
- Choose healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
- Include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or trout at least twice weekly.
- Reduce saturated fats found in fatty meats, butter, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
- Stay physically active with regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
- Take cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Contact Your Primary Care Provider
Contact your primary care provider (PCP) to schedule a cholesterol blood test. If you do not have a PCP, call 866.744.2468 or visit www.sih.net/providers.