High Cholesterol Carries High Cost for Women
Women need to know the risk
high cholesterol poses to their
health, according to researchers.
Recent studies show women are less likely
to have cholesterol levels tested and less likely
to have high cholesterol under control than
men are.
Too much artery-clogging LDL cholesterol can keep the heart from getting the blood it needs. This can lead to a heart attack. Too little artery-clearing HDL cholesterol also can contribute to heart disease.
Monitor Cholesterol Regularly
Health experts recommend women age 20 and older get their cholesterol checked at least once every fi ve years. Some women may need more frequent screenings, including women who are older than 55 or have risk factors for heart disease.The best test—a lipoprotein profile— checks LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides (another fat in the blood linked to heart disease). You need to fast for nine to 12 hours before the test.
Diet, Exercise Help Control Cholesterol
Ideally, total cholesterol should be lower than 200 mg/dl and LDL levels less than 100 mg/dl. Also best: HDL at 60 mg/dl or above, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dl.A simpler test for total and HDL cholesterol doesn’t require fasting, but provides only limited information. If this test shows your total cholesterol is more than 200 mg/dl or your HDL is less than 40 mg/dl, get the lipoprotein profile test.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-fat diet, and exercising can help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol.
