Cholesterol-Know Your Numbers

Nov 18, 2024 at 10:46 am by admin


DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am in my 30s and overweight, but I thought I was too young to worry about cholesterol. I just learned my cholesterol is high. I know diet and exercise are important. Do I need medication?

ANSWER: Cholesterol is a type of fat in our blood. Our bodies need a small amount of cholesterol to build the structure of cell membranes, make certain hormones and help with metabolism, such as producing vitamin D. The catch: We don't need too much cholesterol.

Atherosclerosis, also known as narrowing of the arteries, happens when cholesterol builds up and blocks blood flow. This buildup is called plaque, which can clog arteries and can burst, leading to a blood clot. Atherosclerosis can cause heart problems such as chest pain (angina) or heart attack. It also can lead to problems in the brain, including transient ischemic attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease in the legs or arms, and even kidney failure.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of lipids. They travel in our blood by attaching to proteins. Adults 20 and older should ask their healthcare team about their lipid profile and how to interpret the numbers.

Some people who are overweight may get heart disease not because their LDL is high but, rather, because their HDL is low and their triglycerides are high. That relationship can cause heart disease as much or even more than just high LDL cholesterol. These lipid abnormalities are significant for young people in their 30s or 40s who are overweight. Their triglyceride levels increase, and their HDL lowers. They're becoming prediabetic. Their LDL is staying the same, but they're still heading to heart disease.

Treating high cholesterol depends on individual risk. The higher the risk -- for example, with someone who already had a heart attack -- a higher percent of reduction is needed. Medication to lower cholesterol can reduce LDL by about 60% to 65%. Lifestyle changes can reduce LDL by 10% to 15%.

Several medications can help manage lipids. Discuss options with your healthcare team.

The body's ability to handle cholesterol is genetically determined. Genetic disorders that raise cholesterol levels are common. Familial hypercholesterolemia usually is caused by a genetic mutation preventing the body from clearing cholesterol. People with the condition are more likely to require medication to reduce their cholesterol levels.

For people with genetic disorders that expose them to elevated cholesterol since birth, heart disease can happen at a younger age. So we start treating their high cholesterol with medication at a young age.

Beyond medication, lifestyle modifications help manage lipids:

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends people get their first cholesterol screening between ages 9 and 11, and repeat it every five years. For men 45 to 65 and women 55 to 65, cholesterol screenings should occur every one to two years. Over 65? Test annually. More frequent testing may be needed for people who have or are at risk for coronary artery disease. -- Regis Fernandes, M.D., Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix

Sections: COURIER SPOTLIGHT