Having excessive ldl cholesterol can result in coronary heart illness or stroke.
There are 3 sorts of ldl cholesterol
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “dangerous” ldl cholesterol
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Excessive-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” ldl cholesterol
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Triglycerides (sort of fats in your blood)
Collectively, they make up your complete ldl cholesterol.
System for complete ldl cholesterol = LDL + HDL + 20% triglycerides
Know your numbers
There aren’t any signs for prime ldl cholesterol. The one technique to know is to get your numbers checked with ldl cholesterol screening.
The CDC’s optimum ldl cholesterol degree suggestions for individuals assigned feminine at start:
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LDL ldl cholesterol: about 100 mg/dL
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HDL ldl cholesterol: ≥50 mg/dL
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Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL
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Complete ldl cholesterol: about 150 mg/dL
Excessive ldl cholesterol = complete ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL
Round 2 in 5 American adults have complete ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL.
When to get screened
Individuals assigned feminine at start ought to get their ldl cholesterol checked:
20–54 Each 5 years
55–65 Each 1–2 years
65+ Yearly
Threat elements for prime ldl cholesterol
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Lack of train
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Consuming a weight loss plan excessive in saturated and trans fats and sugar
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Smoking
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Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol
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Having well being situations like continual kidney illness, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism and lupus
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Genetics and household historical past
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Sure medicines
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Being 40 years or older
Though individuals over 40 are at increased threat of creating excessive ldl cholesterol, it will probably occur at any age.
Estrogen impacts ldl cholesterol
Estrogen gives safety towards coronary heart illness by decreasing blood triglycerides and LDL ldl cholesterol, and growing HDL ldl cholesterol.
Altering estrogen ranges through the menstrual cycle can increase and decrease your levels of cholesterol.
Throughout perimenopause and menopause, decrease quantities of estrogen enhance triglycerides, LDL and complete levels of cholesterol, growing your threat of coronary heart illness.
Excessive ranges of estrogen throughout being pregnant and with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could cause increased LDL and triglycerides.
The right way to get screened
Your healthcare supplier (HCP) can provide you a ldl cholesterol screening take a look at, additionally referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, by taking a blood pattern from you.
You’ll doubtless be requested to quick or not eat for 12 hours earlier than the take a look at.
The take a look at is fast and comparatively painless, and the outcomes will present your ranges for the three sorts of ldl cholesterol plus complete ldl cholesterol.
1 blood take a look at = 4 outcomes
Don’t delay — discuss to your HCP about ldl cholesterol screening immediately!
This useful resource was created with help from Amgen, a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
