Testing and Support to Manage Your Cholesterol
At St. Luke’s, we understand that managing cholesterol can be challenging, and we support you every step of the way. We offer personalized care and advanced treatments to help keep your cholesterol under control and your heart healthy.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to build cells and make vitamins. Too much cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in your arteries, raising your risk of heart disease and stroke. There are two main types of cholesterol:
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is called the ”good“ cholesterol. It helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream.
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is known as the ”bad“ cholesterol that builds up in your arteries, forming plaque and narrowing them.
Why Should I Check My Cholesterol?
High cholesterol usually shows no symptoms, so a test is the only way to find out if you have it. Regular cholesterol screenings are important because high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. We offer a simple blood test called a fasting lipid profile to check your cholesterol.
Early detection helps you manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of serious health problems. The American Heart Association recommends adults 20 years old or older check their cholesterol every four to six years.
What Do My Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
When you have your cholesterol tested, your result will include a set of numbers. It helps to know what the numbers mean to understand your results. Here’s a quick guide:
- Total cholesterol: Keep it below 200 mg/dL
- HDL (good) cholesterol: Keep it at 60 mg/dL or higher
- LDL (bad) cholesterol: Keep it less than 100 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Keep them below 150 mg/dL
Managing High Cholesterol
If your cholesterol is high, we offer various treatments and lifestyle tips to help you lower it, including:
Diet
Try to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Make small changes like adding oatmeal or other high-fiber foods to your breakfast to help lower LDL cholesterol.
Exercise
Exercise is important for your heart’s health. Try brisk walking, cycling or swimming for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications like statins to help lower your cholesterol. Remember to take your medications at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your bloodstream.
Lifestyle Changes
If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. We also recommend reducing alcohol and stress. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to help manage stress and improve your overall heart health.