The Good, the Bad and the Better

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. This is a good time for you to get your blood cholesterol checked, learn about lipid profiles, and determine ways to help you improve your numbers.

Cholesterol is a fatty chemical which is a vital part of the outer lining of cells in the body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the major carrier of cholesterol in the blood, and is often called “bad” cholesterol because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.    

On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called the “good” cholesterol because it removes harmful LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver where it can be reprocessed. Unlike LDL, high HDL levels reduce the risk for heart disease.

Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other lipid components. And with total cholesterol, the higher the level - the greater the risk.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, high blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens your chances for developing heart disease and reduces the risk of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease.

Triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. Triglycerides are fat in the blood and are used to provide energy to the body. Like LDL cholesterol, the higher the level – the greater the risk.

Know Your Numbers!
It can be a little overwhelming and hard to keep all of these terms and numbers straight. Use this chart, as recommended by the American Heart Association, for a quick overview of the numbers you need to know and the goals you need to reach.

Edwin, Senior PIM Specialist in Administrative Services, is keeping his numbers in check by visiting with his physician on a regular basis. A while back he learned that his total cholesterol was at 200 mg/dL. His doctor prescribed medication to help lower his levels, as well as advised him to include physical activity into his daily routine and improve his nutritional intake. “My eating habits have drastically changed. I am eating more fruits and vegetables and staying away from pasta, bread and sweets,” says Edwin. “I limit my meats to grilled or oven roasted chicken or fish.” Edwin also added exercise to his overall plan and took control of his fast food weakness by seeking out restaurants that offer non-trans fat meals.

Edwin’s cholesterol is currently at 147 mg/dL and he hopes to see more improvement at his next check-up. Another positive side effect of Edwin’s lifestyle changes is weight loss. “When I started watching my cholesterol numbers, I weighed 205 pounds,” adds Edwin. “Now I weigh 180 pounds. Looking into the mirror and seeing a ‘new me’ has been truly amazing!”

You can learn more about your numbers and how to improve your overall health by completing the Wellness Assessment available on www.SFLiveWell.com. If you have not already done so, be sure to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to obtain all of your numbers - not just cholesterol. The following labwork results from 2012 are required to take the assessment:

• Blood pressure
• Total cholesterol (as well as HDL and LDL)
• Triglycerides
• Blood glucose

Visit www.SFLiveWell.com to get started today! Empowering you to Live Well, Be Well and know your numbers.

Additional Resources
Visit the Cholesterol Management Health Center on WebMD for a comprehensive resource library.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to help you better Understand Your Risks associated with high cholesterol.

Want to take control at home? Read the Top 5 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cholesterol article from Mayo Clinic.