Cholesterol and You - September 2024
Cholesterol is a fat substance that is found in cells in your body. It performs essential tasks such as making hormones, vitamin D and aids in digesting foods but there are two forms of Cholesterol, LDL “bad” and HDL “good”. Triglycerides contribute to high cholesterol as they are a type of fat in your body.
Desirable Cholesterol Numbers for Adults
- Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL*
- LDL (bad) Cholesterol Less than 100 mg/dL
- LDL (good) Cholesterol Greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dL
- *Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter
Most common risk factors for high cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease
- Consuming too many saturated fats – in fatty meat, butter, lard, dairy products
- Consuming too many trans fats – found in packaged foods
- Lack of exercise
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
Effective ways to manage your cholesterol
- Increase exercise to 30 – 60 minutes a day.
- Stay hydrated – Consume half your body weight of water in ounces.
- Cut out tobacco products.
You can buy cholesterol test kits for testing at home, but a more accurate way is to go to a primary care provider to discuss the levels you receive. If you don’t have a primary care provider and you have the State of Maine insurance, create an account on the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield website and find a provider in your area.