A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical
According to the National Institute of Health, high blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. It is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Do you know your cholesterol levels – and do you understand them?
State Farm’s Live Well, Be Well wellness initiative encourages you to get your blood cholesterol checked and learn more about what your numbers mean.
Bob, a Manager in Data and Information Strategies, did just that. He found out his cholesterol was too high after an annual preventative screening at his doctor’s office last year. “After checking my cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI, I realized it was time to get serious about my health.”
“I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes on both sides of my family,” Bob said. “When I found out my cholesterol was high, I decided it was time to take action, and learn about ways to reduce my risk.”
Bob talked to his primary care physician and learned cholesterol comes from two sources – your body and food. Bob also learned there are two types of cholesterol – good and bad.
The “bad” type of cholesterol, or Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is produced naturally by the body. When too much of this cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can clog arteries, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. The “good” type, also known as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, helps prevent build up in the arteries and clear LDL cholesterol from the body.
Factors such as genetic traits, eating saturated or trans fats, and dietary cholesterol may also increase the amount of cholesterol your body makes or retains. High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms; so many people are unaware their cholesterol level is too high. You can find more basic cholesterol knowledge online from the American Heart Association.
"It’s important to find out what your levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol are, and discuss treatment plans with your physician,” Bob said. Lowering cholesterol levels decreases your risk of developing heart disease, having a heart attack and dying of heart-related issues.
Research shows your diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco smoke also affect your cholesterol level:
Bob’s physician recommended a healthy lifestyle treatment plan. He started with 45 minutes of exercise before work each day, including weight training and riding a stationary bike while watching the morning news. Bob also knew he needed to eat better. He chose 2-3 healthy breakfast and lunch choices and committed to them. Whether you've been prescribed medication or advised to make diet and lifestyle changes to help manage your cholesterol, please follow your doctor's recommendations carefully.
The recommended age for beginning cholesterol tests is age 20, but it’s a good idea to start having cholesterol checked at an early age. Even children, especially those in families with a history of heart disease, can have high cholesterol levels, and evidence suggests these children are at greater risk for developing heart disease as adults.
"After about 8 weeks on my healthy lifestyle plan, my cholesterol, blood pressure and weight all improved," Bob said. "I checked again at six months and had been able to keep off 20 pounds while further improving my cholesterol. Additionally, I felt better and even noticed my family had started eating better too."
While Bob admits he has not made it to his ideal weight or found the perfect exercise program, he says simply improving one habit at a time has made a huge difference for him.
With a little knowledge, some dedication and the help of the preventative care services available to you, improved cholesterol levels and a healthier lifestyle can become increasingly attainable goals for everyone. Helping you know and understand your cholesterol numbers is just one more way to empower yourself to Live Well, Be Well. |
Access account info
