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 whole ldl cholesterol.
Components for whole ldl cholesterol = LDL + HDL + 20% triglycerides
Know your numbers
There aren’t any signs for top ldl cholesterol. The one method 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 delivery:
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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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Whole ldl cholesterol: about 150 mg/dL
Excessive ldl cholesterol = whole ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL
Round 2 in 5 American adults have whole ldl cholesterol above 200 mg/dL.
When to get screened
Individuals assigned feminine at delivery ought to get their ldl cholesterol checked:
20–54 Each 5 years
55–65 Each 1–2 years
65+ Yearly
Threat components for top 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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Ingesting an excessive amount of alcohol
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Having well being circumstances like power kidney illness, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism and lupus
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Genetics and household historical past
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Sure drugs
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Being 40 years or older
Though individuals over 40 are at greater danger of creating excessive ldl cholesterol, it may occur at any age.
Estrogen impacts ldl cholesterol
Estrogen supplies safety in opposition to coronary heart illness by decreasing blood triglycerides and LDL ldl cholesterol, and rising HDL ldl cholesterol.
Altering estrogen ranges in the course of the menstrual cycle can increase and decrease your levels of cholesterol.
Throughout perimenopause and menopause, decrease quantities of estrogen improve triglycerides, LDL and whole levels of cholesterol, rising your danger of coronary heart illness.
Excessive ranges of estrogen throughout being pregnant and with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could cause greater LDL and triglycerides.
Tips on how 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 seemingly 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 kinds of ldl cholesterol plus whole ldl cholesterol.
1 blood take a look at = 4 outcomes
Don’t delay — speak to your HCP about ldl cholesterol screening right this moment!
This useful resource was created with help from Amgen, a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.