Click here to learn more. Your total cholesterol level is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. It consists of:. The higher your HDL, the better. Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count.
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise. As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended.
According to the guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology JACC , these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.
Generally, guidelines are similar for men and women over the age of 20, though they differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Women should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Children who are physically active , eat a nutrient-dense diet , are not overweight, and do not have a family history of high cholesterol are at a lower risk for having high cholesterol.
Current guidelines recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11 years, and then again between ages 17 and 21 years. Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8 years, and again between ages 12 and 16 years.
A cholesterol check involves a simple blood test. Where can I get a test? There are three main ways you can get a test. Visit your pharmacist. Visit your GP. Can I test my own cholesterol at home? What does a cholesterol check involve? A cholesterol test involves a a simple blood test, this can be done in two ways: A finger prick test, which is quick, you only feel a small pinch, and the results can be checked there and then.
A small blood sample taken from your arm using a needle and syringe, which will be sent off for testing. When should I have a cholesterol check? One potential method is using therapeutic lifestyle changes TLC , which includes diet, exercise, and weight management. Another option is drug therapies that either lower cholesterol or reduce the absorption of cholesterol.
At any age, diets low in saturated fats and trans fats and high in soluble fibers and protein are good for lowering cholesterol buildup. The TLC diet is a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol eating plan.
People following it should have a daily intake of less than 7 percent of calories from saturated fat and less than milligrams of dietary cholesterol.
The TLC diet encourages people to eat the following foods:. Additionally, the TLC diet suggests only taking in enough calories to maintain a desirable weight and avoid weight gain. Various books on the TLC diet are available to purchase online , and may help those interested in following the diet plan to lower cholesterol.
Proper weight management is another essential part of lowering cholesterol and preventing it building up. Overweight people who reduce their weight can help lower LDL in the process. Regular physical activity of 30 minutes on most days is recommended for everyone. This will also help with weight management, which in turn helps with lowering cholesterol. When these steps are not enough, drug treatment may also be needed. There are several types of cholesterol-lowering drugs available, including:.
The best treatment to lower cholesterol levels involves a range of different methods, including lifestyle and diet. Ultimately, a doctor is the best person to talk to in order to figure out the best way for a person to lower bad cholesterol levels. Ceramides are fatty molecules health experts associate with heart disease. The levels you should aim for might be different. Ask your doctor or nurse what your levels should be.
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