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An optimal level of non- HDL cholesterol for most people is less than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), which is 3.37 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). For people with a history of heart attack, the desired level may be lower. Higher numbers mean a higher risk of heart disease. To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol ...
Limit saturated fat, found in meats and full-fat dairy products, as well. If you smoke, find a way to quit. Smoking lowers HDL levels, especially in women, and increases LDL levels and triglycerides. Moderate use of alcohol has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol.
A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis). A cholesterol test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels often are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Diagnosis. A blood test to check cholesterol levels — called a lipid panel or lipid profile — typically reports: Generally you're required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for nine to 12 hours before the test. Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your doctor's instructions.
If there's too much cholesterol in the blood, the cholesterol and other substances may form deposits called plaque. Plaque can cause an artery to become narrowed or blocked. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form. Plaque and blood clots can reduce blood flow through an artery. High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of ...
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol. One serving of a breakfast cereal with oatmeal or oat bran provides 3 to 4 grams of fiber.
High triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) — which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). High triglycerides are often a sign of other conditions that ...
Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit of taking a statin. These medicines also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Statins also may help reduce the risk of certain blood clots.
Bile acid sequestrants. Cholestyramine (Prevalite) Colesevelam (Welchol) Colestipol (Colestid) Decrease LDL; may slightly increase HDL. Constipation, bloating, nausea, gas, heartburn. Combination cholesterol absorption inhibitor and statin. Ezetimibe-simvastatin (Vytorin) Decreases LDL and triglycerides; increases HDL.
Mayo Clinic cardiovascular risk calculator. This calculator is intended for use by health care providers. The results should not be used alone to determine medical treatment. This tool is a statistical model and is not a substitute for an individual treatment plan developed by a health care provider with personal knowledge of a specific patient ...