August 28, 2002

Know Your Numbers – September is Cholesterol Education Month

Do you know what your numbers are? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute would like everyone to be able to answer “yes” to this question. These numbers refer to blood cholesterol levels, and since September is National Cholesterol Education Month, this is an optimal time to remind everyone about the importance of controlling cholesterol in maintaining a healthy heart.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found naturally in all parts of the body. A certain amount is necessary for the production of cell tissue, many hormones, vitamin D, and acids that digest fat. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the body, the excess is deposited into the bloodstream and begins to build up in the arteries. Coronary heart disease is caused when the built-up cholesterol in the coronary arteries creates narrowing and blockages, causing chest pain. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. When the blood supply to the heart becomes completely cut off, a heart attack occurs.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in this country. Over 1 million people have heart attacks each year in the United States, and about half of them die from their disease. Current estimates indicate that 61,800,000 Americans have at least one form of cardiovascular disease. And heart disease is not just a concern for the aged; research has found that the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries begins early—often during adolescence—and worsens over time. In fact, the cholesterol numbers for a 22-year-old can be used to predict the heart attack risk over the next 40 years. At present, half of all men and one-third of all women aged 40 and younger will develop coronary heart disease at some point in their lives. That is why it is recommended that, after age 20, everyone have their blood checked at least once every 5 years.

By now, most people are aware there are two kinds of cholesterol in our bodies, HDL and LDL. HDL (high density lipoproteins) is the good, or healthy, cholesterol. It keeps cholesterol from building up in the body by transporting the bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins, or LDL) to the liver, where it can be processed and eventually eliminated from the body. When cholesterol is measured, higher numbers are desirable for HDL, and lower numbers are the goal for LDL. Another form of fat in the blood that is measured is triglycerides. Since triglycerides are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, lower numbers are preferred.

While a person cannot change risk factors such as age, gender, race, and family history, there are several risk factors that can be controlled. These include

-Weight: Losing weight can lower triglyceride and LDL levels

while raising HDL levels.

-Smoking: Cigarette smoking is related to high levels of LDL

-Exercise: Regular physical activity can raise HDL and lower LDL levels.

It is recommended that everyone is physically active for at least

30 minutes most days of the week.

-Diet: Reducing dietary fat intake, especially saturated fat and

cholesterol, and increasing dietary fiber will increase the HDL level.

While nearly everyone can reduce the level of LDL and raise the level of HDL by implementing these lifestyle changes, some people still may not be able to attain healthy levels. Drug therapy is available to reduce elevated cholesterol levels when lifestyle changes are not sufficient, and must be prescribed and managed by a physician.

Although the preferred level of blood cholesterol varies with age, recent evidence indicates that 200 milligrams or less may be optimal for most people. Researchers at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have found a 2% reduction in the risk of heart disease for every 1% reduction in the blood cholesterol level. A simple blood test can give the levels for total blood cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.

Remember that unhealthy levels of cholesterol can only be detected by testing. There are no symptoms associated with a high cholesterol level itself. Regular screening, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol will reduce the number of cases, as well as the number of deaths attributed to, coronary heart disease. For further information about cholesterol, heart disease, and upcoming nutrition education programs, contact the Central Connecticut Health District at 721-2822.