September is Cholesterol Education Month, an ideal time to focus on maintaining heart health by managing cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can keep your cholesterol balanced and protect your heart.
1. What is Cholesterol?
When you hear the word cholesterol used in conversation, it often has a negative connotation. However, cholesterol is a type of lipid (or fat) that your body uses to build cells and vitamins. Cholesterol has an important role to fulfill in your body when at healthy levels—but too much can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol comes in two main types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). When your health care provider talks about “bad” cholesterol, they’re often referring to high levels of LDL that are leading to or may lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. On the other hand, HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it plays a role in removing the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) from your bloodstream.
3. Healthy Eating Habits
A heart-healthy diet can help manage cholesterol levels. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet and minimizing saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-rich foods can make a big difference in your heart health. Instead of saturated and trans fats, consider using sources of monosaturated fats (often referred to as “healthy fats”) like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados instead.
4. Regular Exercise
Regular physical exercise can help increase good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease bad cholesterol (LDL). Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise nearly every day—including walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling—can make a drastic impact to your heart health.
5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking can lower your HDL cholesterol and harm your heart, among other negative health impacts. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Also, consider limiting your alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can negatively impact your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
6. Regular Check-Ups
Regular health check-ups are key for monitoring your cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider can run blood tests to check your cholesterol levels and provide guidance on managing it. Follow their recommendations and discuss any concerns you may have.
Managing cholesterol is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Take control of your heart health today by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider.
This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
