Know Your Numbers: Checking Cholesterol Could Save Your Life – Christopher Ottiano, MD, Neighborhood Health Plan

by Christopher Ottiano, MD, Neighborhood Health Plan

September is Cholesterol Awareness Month, a time to focus on one of the most important numbers in your health record. Many people know their weight or blood pressure, but fewer people know their cholesterol levels. That is a problem because high cholesterol often has no warning signs and can quietly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. While many factors affect heart health, cholesterol is one of the most important because it can often be managed through lifestyle changes and, when needed, medical treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, 11.3 percent of U.S. adults age 20 and older had high total cholesterol. The prevalence was highest among adults ages 40 to 59, at 16.7 percent, compared with adults ages 20 to 39 and those age 60 and older. (Research conducted from August 2021 through August 2023.)

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. The body needs some cholesterol to build cells and produce certain hormones. However, too much cholesterol can be harmful. When cholesterol levels become too high, fatty deposits can build up inside blood vessels. Over time, these deposits can narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow to the heart and brain.

Most cholesterol tests measure several key numbers. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is often called the “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. The test also measures triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. Together, these numbers provide a picture of a person’s heart health risk.

One of the biggest challenges with cholesterol is that high levels usually do not cause symptoms. You cannot feel high cholesterol. Many people assume they are healthy because they feel fine, only to learn during a routine screening that their cholesterol is dangerously elevated. In some cases, a heart attack or stroke is the first sign that a problem exists.

That is why regular screening is so important. A simple blood test can reveal whether cholesterol levels are healthy or need attention. Adults should talk with their health care provider about when to start testing and how often they should be screened. Factors such as age, family history, diabetes and high blood pressure can affect an individual’s risk and screening schedule.

Learning your numbers and taking action

Knowing your cholesterol numbers gives you the power to take action. For some people, lifestyle changes may be enough to improve their results. Eating a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help lower LDL cholesterol. Reducing foods high in saturated fats and trans fats can also make a difference.

Physical activity plays a major role as well. Regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even moderate activities such as walking, biking or swimming can benefit heart health when done consistently.

Avoiding tobacco and staying at a healthy weight can also help protect your heart. Smoking harms blood vessels and raises the risk of heart disease. Even modest weight loss can help improve cholesterol levels.

Healthy habits may not be enough for everyone. Family history can affect cholesterol levels, and some people may need medication along with lifestyle changes. Cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins, can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Talk with your health care provider about what is right for you.

Cholesterol Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that prevention starts with knowledge. Understanding your cholesterol numbers is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your heart and your future health.

If you do not know your cholesterol levels, consider making an appointment with your health care provider.

This is also a reminder that it is important to have a yearly “well” visit with your primary care provider to discuss routine care issues that can keep you healthy.

A quick blood test today could provide information that helps prevent serious health problems tomorrow. Knowing your numbers is not just about a lab report. It is about making informed decisions that can help you live a longer, healthier life.

The American Heart Association is a great resource for information about cholesterol. You can learn more by visiting heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol. The Rhode Island Department of Health also provides helpful information available at health.ri.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke/cholesterol.

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Christopher Ottiano, M.D., is the medical director at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.