High cholesterol is something that every person has either heard of or been affected by, and as one of the most common risk factors for heart disease, it’s important to know where your levels stand. Your body uses cholesterol, also called “lipids,” to protect molecules and make it easier for them to move around your body (Bhattacharya, 2024). Some cholesterol is normal and needed, but many people have too much of it, either as a result of their lifestyle or family history (or a combination of both). Most commonly, your healthcare provider will check a lipid panel as part of your routine blood work to asses this—but what does that mean?
A lipid panel is comprised of four main areas:
- Total cholesterol: This is the combination of your “bad cholesterol” and your “good cholesterol.” It tells us how much cholesterol is present in your blood.
- LDL (AKA low-density lipids): This is your “bad” cholesterol. This kind of cholesterol is most often responsible for fat accumulation in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
- Triglycerides: These are the fats that come from our food. Increased levels of triglycerides can also cause heart disease, and even inflammation of the pancreas.
- HDL (AKA high-density lipids): This is the good cholesterol! It fights the bad cholesterol by helping to remove it from your body, which in turn increases your protection against heart attack and stroke (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).
What if your lipid panel is abnormal?
Your healthcare provider will discuss this with you to make the best game plan to tackle the problem areas. Treatment plans are not one-size-fits all. Your provider may order a coronary calcium scan, a CT scan that checks for buildup in the arteries in your heart. This is a good way to see how your cholesterol is affecting your body.
The most common (and effective) treatment for high cholesterol is with a group of prescription medications called statins. These work by preventing your liver from making excessive amounts of cholesterol and also promoting the removal of the cholesterol that’s in your blood. There are also supplements that are sometimes used, such as omega 3 fish oil, red yeast rice, and plant sterols, but always speak with your provider before starting one to make sure it is safe for you.
There are also lifestyle modifications that can help with high cholesterol, one being regular activity. It’s recommended to get 150 minutes of exercise each week. This can help increase your HDL, or “good” cholesterol (Mayo Clinic, 2022 ). Diet plays the biggest role, though. Some foods to reach for:
- High-fiber foods, like ones with oats, barley, and whole grains
- Beans
- Coldwater fish like salmon, halibut, mackerel, and tuna (two servings each week)
- Flaxseed—you can get it as a powder and sneak it into just about anything!
- A handful of almonds or walnuts is a great healthy snack or topping to a salad!
- Vegetables like avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and broccoli
- Fruits like grapes, apples, citrus, and strawberries
- Whey protein supplements
- Olive oil (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
You’ll want to limit your intake of high-fat foods, such as:
- Red meat (especially processed meats like hot dogs, sausage, and bacon)
- Dairy products that are full-fat (choose low-fat or fat-free)
- Fried food
- Butter
- Egg yolks
- Sweets like cookies, pastries, donuts, and cake
- Fast food (Cleveland Clinic, 2021)
Cholesterol is an essential but easily dangerous part of our bodies. Routinely monitoring your lipid panel helps your provider assess your risk for other problems, so it’s important to stay current on your annual physicals and follow-ups as recommended. Any of the providers at Prestige Medical Group can help with this to get you on the road to your healthiest self!
