Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

Nearly 34 million Americans have cholesterol levels that can be detrimental to their health -leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, liver cancer and liver cirrhosis. The good news is that research indicates American cholesterol levels have improved in the last 50 years due to increased awareness, cholesterol screenings and the use of statin medications.

That said, plenty of us are still in the dark about the cholesterol basics.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat that circulates in your blood, used to build cells and certain hormones. It cannot dissolve in blood.

Where does cholesterol come from? Your liver manufactures about 75 percent of cholesterol, the remainder comes from the animal-based foods you eat - eggs, milk and meat. Certain foods, high in trans fats and saturated fats, can also raise your cholesterol levels. Fried foods and prepared foods, especially those with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, are the worst culprits.

What’s the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol? HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is considered good because it clears one’s arteries of excess fats. LDL (low-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, clogs the arteries and can lead to stroke or heart attack.

What cholesterol numbers are ideal? Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, above 240 mg/dL is high.

• If you are in a very high risk group for heart disease, your LDL should be below 70 mg/dL; for those at general risk of heart disease, your LDL should be below 100 mg/dL; for those not in a risk category, ideal LDL is between 100 - 129 mg/dL.

• Best HDL cholesterol levels are those above 60 mg/dL; poor levels for women are those below 50 mg/dL and for men below 40 mg/dL.

• Desirable Triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL.

Can my cholesterol be too low? Yes - a cholesterol level under 160 mg/dL has been associated with a greater risk for cancer, anxiety, depression and premature births.
How do I know if my cholesterol is high? Typically a blood test - lipid panel - is the best indicator of your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and Triglyceride levels. In some cases, cholesterol can show up as fatty deposits under the skin. These deposits, called xanthomas, appear as reddish-yellow bumps on the body.

What are Triglycerides? Triglycerides are fats in your blood used as energy sources. High trigylceride levels can lead to hardening or thickening of the arteries, stroke, heart attack or heart disease. High triglyceride levels may be caused by diuretics, birth control, steroids, tamoxifen or beta blockers.

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol? Poor diet and lack of exercise certainly can contribute to higher cholesterol levels. Genetics can also play a role - familial hypercholesterolemia (high LDL levels) effects 1 in 500 people and can lead to heart attacks at an early age. As women age, the decrease in estrogen levels can also lead to a drop in HDL levels and a rise in LDL levels.

How do I better manage my cholesterol? Some of the most immediate things you can do are to lose weight, quit smoking and drink in moderation. Daily exercise is also important - it’s been found to raise the levels of HDL in a person’s bloodstream. And change your eating habits. Avoid trans fats, limit cholesterol intake - under 300 mg per day, choose lean meats and skim milk, and eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, almonds and ground flaxseed.