You’ve probably heard about the dangers of high cholesterol. This condition is particularly concerning because while it usually has no symptoms, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke — two of the three leading causes of death in older adults.

The only way to know if you have it? Regular screenings.

But while high cholesterol may be a silent killer, you’re not at its mercy. Keep reading to learn more about cholesterol, how to get your levels checked, and for tips on keeping your cholesterol under control.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in every cell of your body. And, contrary to what you might think, it’s not all bad. Cholesterol is necessary for digestion, as well as for making hormones and vitamins.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is the “bad” cholesterol and the main source of blockages in the arteries.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). This “good” cholesterol helps lower LDL, reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke.

The problem comes when you have too much of the bad cholesterol and not enough of the good. That can happen if you:

• Eat a diet high in saturated fat

• Don’t get enough physical activity

• Are overweight

• Smoke

• Have type 2 diabetes

• Have high blood pressure

• Have a family history of high cholesterol

What Is a Cholesterol Test?

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid profile or panel, is a simple blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol (LDL, HDL and total cholesterol) and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends annual screenings for people over 65. If you already take medicine for high cholesterol, regular testing helps you and your provider track how well the treatment is working.

How to Prepare for a Cholesterol Blood Test

Your provider will let you know if you need to fast before your cholesterol test. If you do, that typically means not eating, drinking or taking medications 9 to 12 hours beforehand.

Pro tip: Morning screenings make fasting simple — you’ll be asleep for most of the prep time!

To check your cholesterol levels, your healthcare professional will take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. You may experience minor discomfort from the needle, but you should be fine to go about your day immediately afterward.

Pro tip: If you fasted, bring a snack to eat after the test is done, or go out for a healthy breakfast with a friend.

Cholesterol Test Results Explained

After the test, your blood sample will be analyzed in a lab to measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. You will get a report that shows your levels in milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) of blood.

Review this cholesterol chart to see where your results fall:

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. A healthy cholesterol level for you may be different because of your family history, lifestyle and other risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.

5 Tips to Lower Your Cholesterol

If your numbers are not where they should be, you can take steps to get them under control. Try these tips to improve your cholesterol:

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are a good choice, as are sources of unsaturated (healthy) fat like oily fish, legumes and olive oil. Limit foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, like fatty meats, dairy, processed food and tropical oils.

Pro tip: Try the Mediterranean diet, recommended by the American Heart Association for heart and brain health.

2. Get moving

Regular physical activity can help you lose extra weight and lower your cholesterol. If you’re not already active, talk with your healthcare provider about movement that’s safe for your body. It doesn’t have to be fancy — walking in the park or dancing around the house can be a great way to get your heart pumping. Try to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

3. Quit smoking and limit drinking

Smoking raises your bad cholesterol and lowers your good cholesterol, and drinking can raise your total cholesterol level — especially when it comes to moderate or heavy alcohol consumption. If you smoke, ask your healthcare team for tips and support to help you quit. If you drink, limit your intake to one drink a day for women and two for men.

4. Manage stress

Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline — hormones that can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol. Fortunately, there are lots of healthy ways to manage stress, like exercising, meditating and connecting with friends. Sleep is another important component of stress management, so aim for about 7 to 9 hours each night and try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.

5. Consider medication

In addition to healthy lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend medications like statins (e.g., Lipitor®, Crestor®) to lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Your doctor will consider factors beyond your cholesterol levels — including blood pressure and blood sugar levels — to assess your personal risk of heart attack or stroke. In general, the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to benefit from cholesterol medication.

A Word from ArchWell Health

If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, your ArchWell Health care team is here to support you. From healthy lifestyle changes to cholesterol-lowering medications, treatment is available. Contact us today to start your journey to better health!