How Cholesterol Affects Your Health—and What You Can Do About It
As we age, our health becomes more important than ever. You may have heard your doctor talk about cholesterol, but what does it mean for you? Understanding cholesterol and its role in your health can help you make choices that keep your heart and body in good shape.
What Is Cholesterol and Why Does It Matter?
Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood that your body needs to stay healthy. It helps build cells and produce essential hormones. But not all cholesterol is the same. There are two types you should know about:
1. “Good” Cholesterol (HDL) helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. It’s like a cleaning crew that removes the extra cholesterol so it doesn’t clog your arteries. Having more HDL cholesterol is a good thing because it lowers your risk of heart disease.
2. “Bad” Cholesterol (LDL) can cause trouble. Too much LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and form plaque, narrowing the space for blood to flow. This can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes.
What Happens When Cholesterol Builds Up?
When LDL cholesterol builds up, it can lead to atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of your arteries. This can happen slowly over time without any symptoms, but one day, you might notice something wrong, like chest pain or shortness of breath while doing an everyday activity. That’s why it’s so important to keep your cholesterol in check.
If the arteries to your heart become blocked, it can cause coronary artery disease. Blockages in the arteries to your brain can lead to a stroke, and if it happens in your legs or arms, you could develop peripheral artery disease. All of these are severe conditions, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to lower your risk.
How to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
The great news is that you can control your cholesterol by making simple, everyday choices. Here are a few things you can do:
• Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Reduce red meats, fried foods, and sugary snacks. Instead, add more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your meals.
• Exercise Regularly: Even a brisk 30-minute walk most days can make a big difference.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits can make your cholesterol levels worse.
• Manage Stress: Finding ways to relax and reduce stress can also improve your heart health.
Your Health Primary Care Can Help
One of the best ways to stay on top of your cholesterol is by getting an annual wellness exam with Your Health. This exam helps give a complete picture of your health and shows where improvements can be made. Your healthcare provider will check your cholesterol levels through a simple blood test. If your numbers aren’t where they should be, your provider will work with you to create a plan, including dietary changes, exercise suggestions, or medications if needed.
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover 100% of the cost of an annual exam because it helps prevent more serious and expensive health problems later on. So why wait? Please schedule your wellness exam today and take care of your health.