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The Good News About Good Cholesterol
For heart health, you've probably
heard it's good to have a low cholesterol
level. But new research
shows that higher levels of HDL cholesterol,
the "good" cholesterol, can
help reduce your heart disease risk.
"High HDL levels may lower your
risk for heart attack, stroke, and dying
from heart disease," says Riverview
Medical Center's Joseph Clemente,
M.D., who specializes in cardiovascular
diseases. "In fact, high HDL levels might
offer you protection even if you have
poor levels of LDL, or 'bad,' cholesterol."
A new report in the New England
Journal of Medicine studied almost
10,000 heart disease patients who
were taking medications to lower
their LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
cholesterol. Those with the
highest levels of HDL (highdensity
lipoprotein) cholesterol
were 40 percent
less likely to have a
major heart problem within five years than those with the
lowest levels.
The people in the study with the
lowest heart risks had an HDL level of
at least 55 mg/dL. Those with the highest
heart risks had less than 38 mg/dL.
The U.S. government says 60 mg/dL
or more is best for heart health. A level
of less than 40 mg/dL is considered a
major risk factor for heart disease.
Cholesterol Deconstructed
Cholesterol forms a buildup in your
arteries called plaque. This plaque can
block blood flow, causing heart attacks
and strokes.
On the other hand,
HDL carries bad cholesterol
from other parts of
your body to your liver.
There it breaks down and
leaves your body through
your digestive system.
This helps keep cholesterol
from building up in
your arteries.
"From age 20 on, you should have a
blood test to find out your cholesterol
levels at least once every five years,"
says Dr. Clemente. "Your doctor might
recommend more frequent tests if you
have certain risk factors."
Besides LDL and HDL levels, your
test results will show numbers for triglycerides.
These blood fats also clog
arteries and boost heart disease risk.
The government recommends these
targets:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
HDL Help
Try the following tips to raise your
HDL levels:
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Lose weight if you're overweight.
- Ask your doctor about HDL raising medications if lifestyle fixes don't work.
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