Press Release
| For More Information Contact: | For Release: |
| Julie Armstrong, Health Educator | Date: 10-15-01 |
| Phone: (937) 642-2053 | |
| Fax: (937) 642-2080 |
Heart Health & Cholesterol
The Union County Health Department and the Union County Coalition for Cardiovascular Health would like to encourage all Union County residents to increase their knowledge about the effects of cholesterol to their heart health.
Cholesterol is a fat substance that is found in every part of the body and is carried throughout the body in the blood. The cholesterol in your blood travels on little protein packages called lipoproteins. Your doctor measures total cholesterol, LDL also known as “bad cholesterol”, and HDL known as “good cholesterol”. LDL carries cholesterol in your blood, where it is deposited in your arteries. If you have your total cholesterol checked and it is 200 mg/dL or higher, you should ask your doctor about your HDL and LDL levels. You want to have a HDL level of at least 40 mg/dL or higher.
Health care professionals consider a total cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL, with a HDL of greater than 40, and a LDL of less than 100 to be desirable. You are considered to be at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke if your total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL o higher, with a HDL of less than 40 mg/dL and a LDL of greater than 100 mg/dL. According to the American Heart Association individuals with elevated cholesterol levels, “may have twice the risk of heart attack as those people with a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL”.
How can you prevent having a high cholesterol level? There are several lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your risk of high cholesterol levels or help to reduce cholesterol if it is already high.
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Reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol are not the same substance but they occur together in foods. For example, butter, cheeses and red meat are all high in both saturated fat and cholesterol. |
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Eat a diet high in fiber. This is easily achieved when you eat a minimum of 5 fruits and vegetables a day and at least 6 servings of grains. |
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Being physically active can help to lower your total cholesterol significantly. This can be achieved with only 30 minutes of aerobic activity at 3-4 times a week. |
For more information on reducing your risk of high cholesterol or lowering high cholesterol you can visit the American Heart Association’s web site at www.americanheart.org. You can also contact the Union County Health Department’s dietician at (937)642-2053 ext. 17.