Cholesterol:

What it is: a fat-like substance in the blood that your body needs to make membranes, bile acids for digestion, some hormones, and helps in making vitamin D. Cholesterol cannot travel through the bloodstream on its own, so it is carried by lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins: high density lipoproteins (HDL-- “the good cholesterol”) and low density lipoproteins (LDL—“the bad cholesterol”).

How it may harm: too much cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup results in ”hardening of the arteries”. When the blood supply to the heart is low, the amount of oxygen supplied to the heart is low and the person experiences pain. When oxygen and blood are completely blocked from part of the heart, the person experiences a heart attack.

What the numbers mean: Every 5 years, have a lipoprotein profile to determine your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides (another form of fat in the blood).

Total Cholesterol Level Category Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable 200-239 mg/dL Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above High

Total Cholesterol Level LDL Cholesterol Category Less than 100 mg/dL Desirable 100-129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal 130-159 mg/dL Borderline high 160-189 mg/dL High 190 mg/dL and above Very high

*Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

HDL ("the good cholesterol") may help to protect against heart disease. For HDL, higher numbers are better.

Women: 50 mg/dL is low Men: 40 mg/dL is low Women & men 60 mg/dL is optimal     Triglyceride levels:   Below 150 mg/dL desirable 150-199 mg/dL borderline high 200 mg/dL or higher high

Nutrition & Lifestyle: Choose foods consistent with the American Heart Association food pyramid. You can find it at: here.

While the new USDA food pyramid encourages good health, the AHA pyramid goes further to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, will help reduce cholesterol levels.

A few foods stand out in the fight against heart disease:

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Check with your doctor to see the level of physical activity that is right for you. A formal exercise program is usually not necessary. Many people benefit through moderate exercise, such as walking, and adding activity to their everyday lives.