Chances are, your cholesterol isn’t something you think about too much. When it comes to your health, your thoughts may already be busy thinking about more ways to get protein, how to get more sleep, and whether you should do cardio before or after lifting weights.
Not mentioned, according to A study published in 2023 JAMA CardiologyMore than 40% of American adults with high LDL cholesterol didn’t know they had it. This means that there are a lot of people an increased risk Having a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease, and they don’t even know it.
The good news is that your cholesterol levels are something you can control. We asked cardiologists how to actually do this.
What is LDL cholesterol?
Cholesterol is often referred to generically and almost always negatively, but it’s actually a bit more nuanced. Dr. Ethan Korngold, MD, An interventional cardiologist who works with the health company Abbott explains that cholesterol, which is a waxy fat-like substance found in the body, is essential for building cells and producing vitamins and hormones. “However, too much cholesterol can cause problems because it narrows the arteries, blocking blood flow, increasing the risk of heart disease,” he says.
cholesterol Transport is carried through the blood by lipoproteins, which include two types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL (often known as “good” cholesterol) transports cholesterol to the liver, where it is broken down and excreted. LDL transports cholesterol to cells, and as Dr. Korngold explained, too much of it can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. That’s why LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol.
How do you know if your LDL cholesterol is high?
Even if you’re relatively young and in generally good health, it’s still important to prevent high LDL cholesterol. Dr. Jason Hoff, MDStructural interventional cardiologist and assistant professor at Loma Linda University Health says cholesterol plaque buildup is something that can happen over time and you don’t even realize it.
“It’s not something you can feel. It can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke, and this process often begins decades before symptoms appear, even in your 20s and 30s,” he says.
go with the doctor CEO and cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir, MDsays that being proactive about your heart health is key to staying healthy. “Even if you feel well, cholesterol can slowly rise, especially if you have a family history of heart disease,” says Dr. Sabgir. “High LDL cholesterol increases over time and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s easy to fix. If we know our numbers and stay on top of them, we can make a big difference in our health.”
Since you can’t feel your LDL cholesterol slowly rising, how do you know if your cholesterol is too high? All three cardiologists say it requires a blood test from your doctor, and Dr. Korngold recommends regular checkups for everyone age 20 and older. The American Heart Association says Optimal LDL cholesterol is 100 mg/dL or less.
Dr. Sabgir explains that genetics play a big role in causing high LDL cholesterol. Research published in Journal of Lipid Research It is estimated that 40 to 60% of high cholesterol is caused by genetics. This means you can workout regularly and meet your nutrient goals and still get it.
Something else that contributes to high LDL cholesterol that is out of your control is aging. “As you age, your body becomes less efficient at clearing bad cholesterol from the bloodstream, increasing your risk,” says Dr. Korngold.