All About Cholesterol

By Dr. Beth G. Hodges

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. But high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems — so it’s essential to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have certain risk factors. 

Consider getting your cholesterol checked if:

You have never had it checked
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, and heart disease risk and stroke risk increase as well. That’s why everyone over 20 should get their cholesterol checked to establish a baseline and identify any potential issues early on.

You have known risk factors
Some people have a higher risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease or stroke. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should get your cholesterol checked more frequently:

• Family history: If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease or stroke, especially if it tends to occur at a young age, you may need more frequent screenings.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to high cholesterol levels and earlier chronic disease. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may need more frequent monitoring.
• Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and trans fats can increase your risk of elevated cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can lead to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. Checking and managing cholesterol levels is crucial for managing overall health.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure is another risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and monitoring cholesterol levels is essential for those with hypertension.

You have high cholesterol
If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you can use medication to manage it, and your healthcare provider will likely recommend more frequent cholesterol checks to monitor your progress for the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

The process of checking cholesterol levels involves a simple blood test called a lipid profile. It measures several components, including:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
• HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
• Triglycerides (sometimes called the amount of “fat” in the blood)

Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine how often you should get your cholesterol checked. They will consider your individual risk factors, medical history, and overall health to recommend the appropriate frequency of screening. 

Early detection and proper management of high cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of development of heart disease, stroke, and other related complications.

Dr. Beth Hodges is a family practice and palliative care/hospice physician in Asheboro, N.C., as well as a part-time medical director for HealthTeam Advantage.