Cholesterol: Ways to Lower Your Numbers
The word cholesterol can incite panic in even the healthiest of women, especially if paired with a high number. High cholesterol can drastically increase one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of American women. It is important for Kansas City women to know all the facts about cholesterol and the ways to prevent high numbers.
First of all, there are two types of cholesterol. The first kind is LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which can build up and lead to artery blockage. HDL cholesterol is the “good” kind and transports LDL cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver for disposal. Women usually have larger amounts of HDL because estrogen raises the levels of this good cholesterol. Doctors recommend an LDL level less than 100 mg/dL and an HDL level of 60 mg/dL or above.
Women can follow multiple strategies to lower or prevent high cholesterol, including exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Diet also plays into cholesterol levels. Foods such as egg yolks, red meats and full-fat dairy products are high in cholesterol and therefore can increase one’s LDL number. Regularly including organic foods, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and fresh seafood into your diet also can help.
Because high cholesterol is often tied to family history, improving diet and exercise may not always be enough. According to Dr. Jorge Plutzky, director of the Vascular Disease Prevention Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, certain medications such as statins can be helpful. "The safety and efficacy of statins is superb," says Plutzky. "They may be one of the greatest medical advances we've had in recent years." Statins block an enzyme from making cholesterol and can lower levels immensely. It is important to talk to your doctor about taking possible medications and your own preferences for treating high cholesterol. Regular screenings are also important.
Kelly Nelson is an intern for KC Parent Magazine. She is studying Journalism and Spanish at the University of Missouri.