CHOLESTROL:
Managing and Treating High Cholestrol Levels
We’re talking a lot about cholesterol and high
cholesterol levels, but many people don’t really understand
what it is. All cholesterol isn’t bad. In fact, it’s
produced naturally in your liver and it helps with important
body functions.
High cholesterol happens when you get too much “bad” LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your system. This
can lead to heart disease. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, can be
inherited from your family members or be a result of your
body chemistry.
It can also be the result of a diet high in saturated fats,
lack of exercise or diabetes.
Do any of your family members have high cholesterol or heart
problems? Or, do you realize that your diet is high in fat
and that you may be carrying extra weight? If so, it’s time
to talk to your doctor about your cholesterol.
Understanding Cholesterol / What Is Cholesterol
Anyone can have high cholesterol numbers. You can’t see it
or feel it in yourself. It’s basically invisible. In fact,
as many as 1 in 5 adults has high cholesterol.1 It affects
people both young and old.
Only your doctor or health-care professional can test for
high cholesterol, find out your number and prescribe Lipitor
to help you lower your cholesterol it if it’s too high.
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has
determined that a total cholesterol number above 240 is
considered high.
If you know your numbers, follow the Cholesterol guidelines
section to see where your cholesterol falls. If you don’t
know your cholesterol levels but feel that you may be at
risk for high cholesterol or heart disease, see your doctor
for a cholesterol test.
Cholesterol guidelines
The National Cholesterol Education program (NCEP) has
published these general cholesterol guidelines and considers
a total cholesterol number above 200 to increase your risk
of heart disease.
If your total number is above 240, you have high
cholesterol.2 A person with this level has twice the risk of
heart disease compared with someone whose cholesterol is 200
mg/dL. About 1 in 5 American adults has a high blood
cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or greater.3
If your total cholesterol number is between 200 and 239, you
have borderline high cholesterol.4
Any cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or more increases your
risk.5 More than half the adults in the United States have
levels above 200 mg/dL. 6
If your total cholesterol number is above 200 or
“borderline” your doctor may want to measure the specific
levels of your HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as your
triglycerides.
This test is called a “lipoprotein profile.”
It’s desirable that your total cholesterol number be less
than 200.7
According to the NCEP cholesterol guidelines, everyone over
the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked once
every 5 years.
Depending on your risk, your doctor may suggest that you get
your cholesterol checked more often. That’s ok, getting
checked is easy. Just a simple blood test will tell you your
total cholesterol level and how it relates to your overall
health.
For cholesterol to travel through your blood, it is coated
with a layer of protein to make a lipoprotein. Two
lipoproteins you may have heard of are HDL and LDL.
“Good” cholesterol – (HDL) cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is called
“good cholesterol” because it is believed to remove
cholesterol from the blood. High levels of HDL in your blood
may help to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. A
low level can increase your risk.
“Bad” cholesterol – (LDL) cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is known as
“bad cholesterol.” Excess LDL builds up in your arteries and
may lead to heart disease. The higher the level of LDL, the
higher your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in your blood.
Most of the body’s fat tissue, that comes from the fat in
foods, is in the form of triglycerides which are stored for
energy. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of
heart disease. You would like your triglycerides to be low.
Helpful Tip:
You want your HDL to be “high” and your LDL to be “low.”
Lowering your cholesterol is important no matter what your
age or health.
Even if you exercise daily and eat right, you still may
still have a hard time lowering your cholesterol due to your
age, your gender or your family history.
Or, maybe you realize that you aren’t eating a balanced
diet, getting enough exercise or you’ve been advised that
you need to lose some weight and those could be contributing
to your high cholesterol level. The good news is, there are
a few changes you can make to your lifestyle that can help
to lower your cholesterol.
A healthier diet
Don’t get nervous. You don’t always have to give up
everything that you enjoy eating. Just try to change a few
of the choices you make every day to get a balance of
healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, grains and lean
proteins every day. Then you can add your favorite foods in
as special treats.
Regular exercise
30 minutes of activity a day, most days of the week is
recommended. That exercise can include walking, swimming,
cycling, jogging, aerobic dances or any activity that you
enjoy that increases your heart rate safely. Before
beginning any exercise program, ask your doctor what is
right for you.
At home
Do housework yourself instead of hiring someone else to do
it.
Work in the garden or mow the grass. Using a riding mower
doesn't count! Rake leaves, prune, dig and pick up trash.
Go out for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner or
both! Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes.
Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.
When walking, pick up the pace from leisurely to brisk.
Choose a hilly route. When watching TV, sit up instead of
lying on the sofa. Better yet, spend a few minutes pedaling
on your stationary bicycle while watching TV. Throw away
your video remote control. Instead of asking someone to
bring you a drink, get up off the couch and get it yourself.
Stand up while talking on the telephone.
Walk the dog.
Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra
distance. Wear your walking shoes and sneak in an extra lap
or two around the mall.
Stretch to reach items in high places and squat or bend to
look at items at floor level.
Keep exercise equipment in working order and use it!
At the office
Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a
walk.
Stand while talking on the telephone.
Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using
the telephone.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few
floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.
Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.
Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and
use them while on business trips.
Take a jump rope with you when you travel. Jump and do
calisthenics in your hotel room.
Participate in or start a recreation league at your company.
Form a sports team to raise money for charity events.
Join a fitness center or Y near your work. Work out before
or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a
noon workout.
Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat
it as any other important appointment.
Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the
way to work or home.
Walk around your building for a break during the work day or
during lunch.
At play
Plan family outings and vacations that include physical
activity (hiking, backpacking, swimming, etc.)
See the sights in new cities by walking, jogging or
bicycling.
Make a date with a friend to enjoy your favorite physical
activities. Do them regularly.
Play your favorite music while exercising, something that
motivates you.
Dance with someone or by yourself. Take dancing lessons. Hit
the dance floor on fast numbers instead of slow ones.
Join a recreational club that emphasizes physical activity.
At the beach, sit and watch the waves instead of lying flat.
Better yet, get up and walk, run or fly a kite.
When golfing, walk instead of using a cart.
Play singles tennis or racquetball instead of doubles.
At a picnic, join in on badminton instead of croquet.
At the lake, rent a rowboat instead of a canoe
Weight loss
Losing extra weight can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
or “bad” cholesterol. It’s also important if you are at risk
for heart disease or you have diabetes. To find out the
healthiest way to lose extra weight, make sure you talk to
your doctor.
Sometimes, diet and exercise aren’t enough
For 2 out of 3 adults with high cholesterol, diet and
exercise may not lower cholesterol enough.1 Lipitor, along
with diet and exercise, can help lower your cholesterol.
There are certain habits or traits that increase a person’s
risk for developing heart disease and stroke – these are
known as risk factors.
Risk factors for heart disease you can control:
High blood cholesterol
Cigarette smoking
High blood pressure
Inactivity
Diabetes
Risk factors for heart disease you can’t control:
you are male, at least 45 years old
you are female, at least 55 years old
you have a family history of early heart disease (male
parent or sibling under age 55, female parent or sibling
under age 65)
Risk factors for stroke you can control:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
TIAs (transient ischemic attack) or mini stroke
Carotid artery disease
Smoking
Inactivity
Excessive alcohol intake
Illegal drug use
Risk factors for stroke you can't control:
Age
Heredity and race
Prior stroke
Sometimes it’s hard to admit that your bad habits, like
smoking and weight, are affecting your health. However, if
you know that you have any of these risk factors, you should
go see your doctor and have your cholesterol checked.
Having high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
Because 1 out of 5 people has high cholesterol, your risk
might be greater than you think.1
Use our free risk assessment tool to find out if you have
any of the risk factors associated with high cholesterol.
We know that it’s hard to change your life.
If you don’t know your cholesterol levels, find out. Go to
your doctor or a local public screening test and have them
checked.
If you have high cholesterol, ask your doctor about a
treatment plan. If diet and exercise are not enough, you may
need medicine.
Don’t smoke. Smokers have twice the risk of heart attack
that nonsmokers do.
Stay away from second-hand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke,
inhaling someone else’s tobacco smoke on a daily basis puts
you at a higher risk. Encourage loved ones to stop smoking
for their health and yours.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Take steps to
lower it if it’s high.
Get more exercise. Try to get at least 30 minutes of
vigorous activity at least 3 to 4 times a week. Be sure to
check with your doctor before you start.
If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to control it.
Maintain a healthy weight. Take steps to lose weight if
needed.
Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and
sodium.
Drink alcohol in moderation — 2 drinks a day.
Use our free risk assessment tool to find out if you have
any of the risk factors associated with high cholesterol.
Heart disease can progress symptom-free for years before
ever being detected.
That’s why it’s America’s #1 cause of death.
And that’s why it’s so important to reduce your risk factors
and know the warning signs.
The American Heart Association identifies these as:
Chest discomfort
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the
chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away
and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure,
squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms,
the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath
This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it
can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other signs
These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or
lightheadedness
Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they
go away and return.
If you’re having chest discomfort, especially with one or
more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than 5 minutes
before calling for help. Dial 9-1-1 and get to a hospital
right away.
High cholesterol may not be your fault – not seeking
treatment is. If you haven’t asked your doctor questions
about high cholesterol and Lipitor before, now is the time.
10 good reasons to go see your doctor
You haven’t been to the doctor in a year
You don’t know your cholesterol levels
You don’t exercise regularly
Your diet is high in saturated fats
You are a male at least 45 years old
You are a female at least 55 years old
You have a history of heart disease in your family
You smoke cigarettes
Someone in your home or workplace smokes cigarettes
You have diabetes
Visiting the doctor? Be prepared
Just click on the appropriate boxes below to create a
customized list of questions that you can print and take to
your doctor.
This information is for your personal use only. Pfizer will
not view or use the details that you provide. Please click
the submit button when you are done.
Your name (optional):
Do you know your total cholesterol? yes no
Do you know your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels? yes no
Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol? yes no
Are you currently taking Lipitor or another
cholesterol-lowering medication? yes no
Questions to ask your doctor
Sometimes a busy doctor’s office can be overwhelming. But
remember, your doctor is there to help you and it’s
important to take advantage of his or her knowledge.
Sure you’re going to have questions when you first start
taking a new medicine, that’s normal. Sometimes it makes it
easier to remember the questions if you write them down. Now
we’ve made it easier for you by providing you with some
questions for your doctor about cholesterol to bring with
you to your next visit.
Questions for your doctor about cholesterol:
Print List
Make a New List November 13, 2005
What is cholesterol?
What's the difference between blood and dietary cholesterol?
What factors affect cholesterol levels?
How frequently should I have my cholesterol levels checked?
What is cardiovascular disease? Am I at risk?
What regular exercises are suitable for me?
What is my total cholesterol level?
What is my LDL "bad" cholesterol level?
What is my HDL "good" cholesterol level?
What is my triglyceride level?
What is the impact of my family history on my cholesterol
levels?
What is the role of diet and exercise — can diet and
exercise lower my cholesterol?
When is medication used to lower cholesterol?
It’s always important to ask your doctor any questions you
have regarding your health, especially your cholesterol
levels. However, it’s not always possible to speak with your
doctor every day. That’s why we’ve provided some questions
and answers from people just like you.
These questions come from people who have high cholesterol
and have been taking Lipitor for a period of time, and from
people who have been newly prescribed Lipitor. If you don’t
find the answer you need and you are still concerned, try to
speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Click on any question to view the answer.
What is considered an appropriate cholesterol level?
What is cholesterol?
What is high cholesterol?
How is my cholesterol measured?
Where can I find additional cholesterol information?
Why is high cholesterol a health risk?
How common is high cholesterol?
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
At what age should I start having my cholesterol checked?
Does menopause affect cholesterol levels?
Can stress affect my cholesterol levels?
How can diabetes affect my cholesterol?
How does smoking affect my risk?
What can I do to help me take my cholesterol-lowering
medicine as prescribed?
What if people close to me (family, significant others)
think I don't need to take cholesterol-lowering medicine?
I have high cholesterol but I feel fine. Do I really need to
follow a low-cholesterol diet?
What if I am on a fixed income and cannot always afford to
refill my cholesterol medication?
What if my daily schedule interferes with taking my
cholesterol-lowering medicine?
How can I follow an exercise program that can help me lower
my cholesterol?
What can I do to cut back on cholesterol and fatty foods?
Can children have high cholesterol?
What are statins?
Q: What is considered an appropriate cholesterol level?
A: According to the most recent guidelines of the National
Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), a desirable total
cholesterol level is one that is below 200. Total
cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 are considered
borderline high, and levels above 240 are considered high.
Q: What is cholesterol?
A: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is present
in every cell in your body. Some cholesterol is needed for
your body to function. Your liver produces enough
cholesterol for your body. Certain foods provide additional
amounts of cholesterol, which may be more than your body
needs.
While some cholesterol in your blood is essential to your
health, too much can be harmful. If your cholesterol level
is high, it increases your risk of heart disease. There are
many reasons for a high cholesterol level. These include
diet and family history. Obesity or some diseases such as
diabetes can also contribute to a high cholesterol level.
Q: What is high cholesterol?
A: According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)
most recent guidelines, a total cholesterol level at or
above 240 is considered high. Total cholesterol levels
between 200 and 239 are considered borderline high and
levels below 200 are considered desirable. Your blood
cholesterol level is measured as milligrams of cholesterol
per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), 240mg/dL, 200mg/dL, etc.
Q: How is my cholesterol measured?
A: Your blood cholesterol level is measured as milligrams of
cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), 240mg/dL, 200mg/dL,
etc.
Where can I find additional cholesterol information?
A: The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has
booklets for adults and children concerning high cholesterol
and a pamphlet on physical activity and how to get started.
To order publications on cholesterol, weight and physical
activity, or request a catalog, write to the address below
or go to
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/.
National Cholesterol Education Program
NHLBI Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Q: Why is high cholesterol a health risk?
A: A healthy artery has a smooth, even surface. When too
much cholesterol builds up in the wall of your arteries
thick deposits, called plaque, form. The buildup of plaque
narrows the artery, so your heart must work harder to force
blood through. Plaques can limit or block the blood flow in
the artery. They can also rupture and form blood clots. When
either happens in a major artery supplying the heart or
brain, the blood flow can be completely blocked. The result
can be a heart attack or stroke.
Q: How common is high cholesterol?
A: One in five people has high cholesterol.3 In adults,
total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are
considered high, and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are
considered borderline-high.
Q: How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
A: Based on the results and your overall risk for heart
disease, your cholesterol should be checked every 1 to 5
years. Most likely, your doctor will work with you on a
schedule to monitor your cholesterol level.
Q: How can I follow an exercise program that can help me
lower my cholesterol?
A: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting an
exercise program.
Regular exercise is important. For many people, moderate
exercise for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week can
help.
Exercise during the cooler times of the day. Try to avoid
exercising in hot weather. Make sure to drink enough fluids.
Do not overexert yourself so that you feel pain, breathless,
or sick to your stomach. These are signs that you are doing
too much.
Be aware of serious warnings such as dizziness or
light-headedness, chest pain, heart palpitations. If any of
these occur, discontinue exercise and see your physician as
soon as possible.
Choose exercises that you enjoy and that give you a variety
of activities to keep your exercising interesting and
motivating.
Exercise with a buddy so you can keep each other motivated
and make exercising a social activity.
Q: What can I do to cut back on cholesterol and fatty foods?
A: For about a week, write down everything you eat and
drink. Also write the time you ate, where you ate, and what
you were doing and thinking when you ate. By creating a
diary, you will see patterns you may not have known existed,
such as eating when you're feeling stressed or when you're
bored. When you're aware of what's going on, it's much
easier to change it.
Create a list of good friends you can call and talk to when
you're hungry. Eventually, the overwhelming desire to eat
something will pass. If you don't want to "bother" your
friends, try sugarless gum or a time-consuming activity (a
long walk or surfing the Internet).
Say YES to foods high in fiber (fruit, vegetables), but NO
to foods high in saturated fat (processed cakes, cookies,
crackers).
Q: Can children have high cholesterol?
A: It is possible for children to have high cholesterol.
While very few children have it, about 90% of those who do
have a parent with elevated levels. It is important to check
a child's level if a parent has high cholesterol or if there
is a family history of early heart disease.
The best course of treatment is to make family-wide changes
in diet and exercise habits. Also, it is best to start these
habits at an early age.
Q: How can I make time to prepare and eat heart-healthy
foods?
A: Prepare extra food each time you make a healthy meal and
freeze single serving portions. When you do not have the
time to prepare a meal, reach into the freezer and eat one
of these meals. Bring a healthy snack or two with you to
work and plan to eat them when you have the most temptation.
: Is it OK to eat red meat if I want to lower my
cholesterol?
A: Some red meat is fine. However, to lower your blood
cholesterol level, choose fish, lean meats, and low-fat
poultry. Try using meat substitutes, such as tofu.
Q: What are some healthy eating tips I can follow when
dining out?
A: When eating away from home, plan ahead. Call the
restaurant and ask about their healthy dishes (meals low in
saturated fat and cholesterol). If a restaurant menu says
"steamed," "poached," "roasted," "baked," or "broiled,” the
food is usually lower in fat. Ask your waiter to bring
sauces or dressings in a side dish.
Q: What types of exercises can I do if I don't have access
to exercise equipment?
A: You can exercise at home by doing housework, chores, and
gardening.
Create opportunities to walk more often:
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park farther away in a parking lot.
Get off a bus several stops early.
Walk with your pet.
Play with your children.
For more tips on exercise and healthy living click here.
Q: How can diabetes affect my cholesterol?
A: Having diabetes is a strong risk factor for developing
heart disease. Because a diabetic's risk of having a heart
attack is typically as high as a person with heart disease,
their LDL goal and cholesterol-lowering treatment are the
same as for someone who has heart disease. High triglyceride
and low HDL levels are often present in people who have
diabetes. After an LDL goal has been reached, attention may
have to be paid to the high triglyceride and low HDL levels.
Q: Can stress affect my cholesterol levels?
A: The word "stress" refers to the condition that results
from a person's response to physical, chemical, emotional,
or environmental factors. It can mean physical effort as
well as mental tension. All people feel stress differently
and react to it in different ways.
Stress may play a role in raising cholesterol by affecting
an individual's habits. Some people try to console
themselves during stressful periods by overeating or eating
foods with high fat content or by smoking. It is the
saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods combined with
smoking that contribute to high cholesterol. Instead of
trying to relieve stress with high-fat foods or cigarettes,
try exercise. It can be a healthy way to reduce your stress
levels.
Q: How does smoking affect my risk?
A: Smoking affects heart disease by working together with
other risk factors to increase your risk even further.
Smoking has been shown to raise LDL cholesterol levels and
speed up atherosclerosis.
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