What is borderline high cholesterol. How does it affect your health. What are the risk factors for borderline high cholesterol. How can you lower your cholesterol levels naturally. When should you consider medication for borderline high cholesterol. How often should you get your cholesterol checked. What lifestyle changes can help manage borderline high cholesterol.

Understanding Borderline High Cholesterol

Borderline high cholesterol is a condition where total cholesterol levels fall between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This range is above normal but not quite in the “high” category. To fully comprehend the implications of borderline high cholesterol, it’s crucial to understand the different components measured in a cholesterol test.

Components of a Cholesterol Test

A standard cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel, measures:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – the “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – the “good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides – another type of fat in the bloodstream

Understanding these components is essential for interpreting your cholesterol test results and assessing your overall cardiovascular health.

The Significance of Borderline High Cholesterol

Borderline high cholesterol serves as an early warning sign for potential cardiovascular issues. While it may not pose an immediate threat, it indicates an increased risk of developing high cholesterol and related health problems if left unaddressed.

Why is borderline high cholesterol concerning? Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This process narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through them, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular events.

Risk Factors for Borderline High Cholesterol

Several factors can contribute to borderline high cholesterol levels. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to manage your cholesterol and overall health.

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity or being overweight
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Gender (men are generally at higher risk)
• Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)

By identifying your personal risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored plan for managing your cholesterol levels.

Natural Strategies to Lower Cholesterol Levels

For many individuals with borderline high cholesterol, lifestyle modifications can be effective in bringing cholesterol levels back to a normal range. Here are some natural strategies to consider:

Dietary Changes

Making changes in the kitchen is one of the most impactful ways to manage cholesterol levels. Consider the following dietary adjustments:

• Increase intake of fiber-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
• Incorporate heart-healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocados, nuts)
• Reduce consumption of saturated and trans fats
• Choose lean protein sources (e.g., fish, poultry, legumes)
• Limit dietary cholesterol intake

How can you effectively implement these dietary changes? Start by reading food labels carefully and planning your meals in advance. Gradually replace unhealthy options with nutrient-dense alternatives to make sustainable changes to your eating habits.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can help:

• Increase HDL (good) cholesterol
• Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Improve overall cardiovascular health

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. Additionally, incorporate strength training exercises at least twice a week to boost your metabolism and improve body composition.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing cholesterol levels. Losing excess weight can help:

• Lower LDL cholesterol
• Increase HDL cholesterol
• Reduce triglycerides
• Improve insulin sensitivity

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, focus on creating a balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine. Even modest weight loss can have significant benefits for your cholesterol levels and overall health.

The Role of Medication in Managing Borderline High Cholesterol

While lifestyle modifications are often the first line of defense against borderline high cholesterol, some individuals may require medication to effectively manage their cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider will consider various factors when determining if medication is necessary, including:

• Your overall cardiovascular risk
• The presence of other risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Your response to lifestyle modifications
• Family history of heart disease

Common cholesterol-lowering medications include:

1. Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol.
2. Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
3. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.
4. PCSK9 inhibitors: These injectable medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

When should you consider medication for borderline high cholesterol? If lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient to bring your cholesterol levels into a healthy range, or if you have multiple risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend medication as part of your treatment plan.

Monitoring and Follow-up for Borderline High Cholesterol

Regular monitoring is essential for managing borderline high cholesterol effectively. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend follow-up cholesterol tests to assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments.

Frequency of Cholesterol Tests

How often should you get your cholesterol checked? For adults with borderline high cholesterol, the general recommendation is to have a lipid panel done every 6 to 12 months. However, your doctor may suggest more frequent testing based on your individual risk factors and response to treatment.

Additional Tests and Assessments

In addition to regular cholesterol tests, your healthcare provider may recommend other assessments to evaluate your cardiovascular health, such as:

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan: This imaging test can detect the presence of plaque in your heart’s arteries.
• Blood pressure measurements
• Blood glucose tests to check for diabetes
• Assessment of lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking status)

These additional tests and assessments help provide a comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular health and guide treatment decisions.

Long-term Management of Borderline High Cholesterol

Managing borderline high cholesterol is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing attention and care. Here are some strategies for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels over time:

Consistency in Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining the positive lifestyle changes you’ve implemented is crucial for long-term cholesterol management. This includes:

• Adhering to a heart-healthy diet
• Staying physically active
• Managing stress effectively
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Regular Check-ups and Communication with Healthcare Providers

Maintain open communication with your healthcare team and attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Be prepared to discuss:

• Any changes in your symptoms or overall health
• Challenges in maintaining lifestyle changes
• Side effects of medications (if applicable)
• Any new health concerns or conditions

Staying Informed and Educated

Keep yourself informed about the latest developments in cholesterol management and heart health. This can help you make informed decisions about your care and stay motivated in your health journey.

How can you stay up-to-date with the latest information? Consider the following strategies:

• Attend health education classes or workshops
• Read reputable health publications and websites
• Join support groups or online communities focused on heart health
• Discuss new research or treatment options with your healthcare provider

The Impact of Borderline High Cholesterol on Overall Health

While borderline high cholesterol may not cause immediate symptoms, it can have significant long-term effects on your overall health. Understanding these potential impacts can help motivate you to take proactive steps in managing your cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular Health

Borderline high cholesterol increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Over time, elevated cholesterol levels can lead to:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke

By managing your cholesterol levels, you can significantly reduce your risk of these serious cardiovascular events.

Metabolic Health

Cholesterol levels are often intertwined with other aspects of metabolic health. Borderline high cholesterol may be associated with:

• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome

Addressing your cholesterol levels can have positive effects on your overall metabolic health, potentially reducing your risk of developing these related conditions.

Quality of Life

While borderline high cholesterol itself may not directly impact your daily life, the potential long-term consequences can significantly affect your quality of life. By taking steps to manage your cholesterol levels, you’re investing in your future health and well-being.

How can managing your cholesterol improve your quality of life? Consider the following benefits:

• Increased energy and vitality
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases
• Improved mental health and cognitive function
• Greater independence and mobility in later years

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Cholesterol Management

The field of cholesterol management is constantly evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving our understanding and treatment of cholesterol-related conditions. Staying informed about these developments can help you make the best decisions for your health.

New Treatment Approaches

Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to managing cholesterol, including:

• Gene editing techniques to reduce cholesterol production
• Novel drug therapies targeting specific aspects of cholesterol metabolism
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles

While many of these approaches are still in the experimental stages, they hold promise for more effective and tailored cholesterol management in the future.

Lifestyle Interventions

Ongoing research is also focused on refining our understanding of lifestyle interventions for cholesterol management. This includes:

• Investigating the impact of specific dietary patterns on cholesterol levels
• Exploring the optimal types and intensities of exercise for cholesterol control
• Examining the role of stress management techniques in cardiovascular health

As this research progresses, we may see more targeted and effective lifestyle recommendations for managing borderline high cholesterol.

Technology and Cholesterol Management

Advancements in technology are also playing a role in cholesterol management. Some areas of development include:

• Wearable devices for continuous cholesterol monitoring
• Mobile apps for tracking diet, exercise, and medication adherence
• Artificial intelligence-powered risk assessment tools

These technological innovations may help individuals and healthcare providers more effectively monitor and manage cholesterol levels in the future.

By staying informed about these emerging trends and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can ensure that you’re taking advantage of the most current and effective strategies for managing your borderline high cholesterol.

What It Is and What to Do About It

Written by Jodi Helmer

• Cholesterol Tests
• Make Changes in the Kitchen
• Read Food Labels
• Get Moving
• Lose Extra Weight
• Quit Smoking
• Check to See What’s Working
• More

Has your doctor told you that you have “borderline” high cholesterol? That means your cholesterol level is above normal but not quite in the “high” range.

You have borderline high cholesterol if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Your doctor will also consider other things, like how much of your total cholesterol is LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and how much of it is HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it’s not just about cholesterol.

If you have borderline cholesterol, your doctor will decide whether you need treatment by looking at these and other risk factors for heart disease. They may ask you to get an imaging test of your heart called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test reveals whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries.

You won’t know you have borderline cholesterol unless you get a cholesterol blood test. You should do that every 5 years.

The average American has a total cholesterol level of 200, which is in the borderline range.

You can turn it around before you get high cholesterol. Start with these steps.

Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through them. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may have angina – severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke.  

For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for people to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a way to prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to ways to reduce the overall risk.

Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two top signs of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

• High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
• Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong sign that you can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50%, depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

• High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

• Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
• High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
• Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Use your diet to help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol.

For the biggest impact, choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grains, beans, apples, pears, oatmeal, salmon, walnuts, and olive oil are excellent heart-healthy choices.

Here are some more diet tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

Make meat lean. Cut back on red meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and choose only lean meats with very little visible fat. Examples of lean beef include London broil, eye of round, and filet mignon. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage, which are linked to higher odds of heart disease and diabetes.

Remove skin from poultry. That’s where much of the fat is.

Eat more seafood. It usually has less fat than other meat. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, or mackerel) each week for heart health. Those fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Limit saturated fat. These are found in whole-fat dairy products, mayonnaise, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats (such as stick margarine). These products may also contain trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol level.

Go liquid. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (such as butter and shortening) with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, and flaxseed oils. There’s evidence that eating moderate amounts of monounsaturated fat – found in such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados – may lower LDL cholesterol.

Add fiber with plant foods. Good sources include grapefruit, apples, beans and other legumes, barley, carrots, cabbage, and oatmeal.

Get two daily servings of plant sterol-rich foods. These foods, such as nuts, can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are also added to some soft margarines, granola bars, yogurts, and orange juice.

You need to know how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are in your favorite foods. That can help you make better choices.

Too much saturated fat can drive up your cholesterol level. It’s found mostly in animal products. Cholesterol also is found in animal products. Your doctor or a dietitian can let you know what your daily limit should be.

Artificial trans fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re in packaged foods, like some crackers, cookies, pastries, and microwave popcorn.

Check the nutrition label. And because products marked “0 grams” of trans fats per serving can have up to a gram of trans fats, check the ingredients label, too. Anything marked “partially hydrogenated” is trans fat.

Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per day (150 minutes each week). You can also do a more intense workout for 75 minutes a week.

Taking a walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Push yourself, if you can, but keep in mind that moderate exercise is better than none at all.

You can have borderline high cholesterol and be at a healthy weight. But if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can help bring your cholesterol level back down.

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels. One study found that adults who took part in a 12-week exercise program lowered their LDL by 18 points, and their total cholesterol dropped 26 points.

With a combination of weight loss and a healthy diet, it’s possible to lower LDL levels up to 30% – results that are similar to taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you’re not sure whether your weight is in a healthy place, ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI). A normal BMI is 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 or higher, ask your doctor for advice on the best types of physical activity for you.

If you smoke, kicking the habit can help raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol up to 10%.

Have you tried to quit smoking before? For many people, it takes a couple of tries. Keep trying until it sticks. It’s worth it, for your whole body’s health.

During regular screening appointments, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to see if the changes you’ve made have gotten you to your cholesterol goal.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower borderline high cholesterol, your doctor may talk to you about medication.

Top Picks

What It Is and What to Do About It

Written by Jodi Helmer

• Cholesterol Tests
• Make Changes in the Kitchen
• Read Food Labels
• Get Moving
• Lose Extra Weight
• Quit Smoking
• Check to See What’s Working
• More

Has your doctor told you that you have “borderline” high cholesterol? That means your cholesterol level is above normal but not quite in the “high” range.

You have borderline high cholesterol if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Your doctor will also consider other things, like how much of your total cholesterol is LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and how much of it is HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it’s not just about cholesterol.

If you have borderline cholesterol, your doctor will decide whether you need treatment by looking at these and other risk factors for heart disease. They may ask you to get an imaging test of your heart called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. This test reveals whether dangerous plaque has built up in your heart’s arteries.

You won’t know you have borderline cholesterol unless you get a cholesterol blood test. You should do that every 5 years.

The average American has a total cholesterol level of 200, which is in the borderline range.

You can turn it around before you get high cholesterol. Start with these steps.

Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through them. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may have angina – severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for people to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a way to prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to ways to reduce the overall risk.

Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two top signs of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

• High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
• Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong sign that you can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50%, depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

• High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

• Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
• High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
• Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Use your diet to help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol.

For the biggest impact, choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grains, beans, apples, pears, oatmeal, salmon, walnuts, and olive oil are excellent heart-healthy choices.

Here are some more diet tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

Make meat lean. Cut back on red meats that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and choose only lean meats with very little visible fat. Examples of lean beef include London broil, eye of round, and filet mignon. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage, which are linked to higher odds of heart disease and diabetes.

Remove skin from poultry. That’s where much of the fat is.

Eat more seafood. It usually has less fat than other meat. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, or mackerel) each week for heart health. Those fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Limit saturated fat. These are found in whole-fat dairy products, mayonnaise, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats (such as stick margarine). These products may also contain trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol level.

Go liquid. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (such as butter and shortening) with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, and flaxseed oils. There’s evidence that eating moderate amounts of monounsaturated fat – found in such foods as nuts, seeds, and avocados – may lower LDL cholesterol.

Add fiber with plant foods. Good sources include grapefruit, apples, beans and other legumes, barley, carrots, cabbage, and oatmeal.

Get two daily servings of plant sterol-rich foods. These foods, such as nuts, can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are also added to some soft margarines, granola bars, yogurts, and orange juice.

You need to know how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are in your favorite foods. That can help you make better choices.

Too much saturated fat can drive up your cholesterol level. It’s found mostly in animal products. Cholesterol also is found in animal products. Your doctor or a dietitian can let you know what your daily limit should be.

Artificial trans fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re in packaged foods, like some crackers, cookies, pastries, and microwave popcorn.

Check the nutrition label. And because products marked “0 grams” of trans fats per serving can have up to a gram of trans fats, check the ingredients label, too. Anything marked “partially hydrogenated” is trans fat.

Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per day (150 minutes each week). You can also do a more intense workout for 75 minutes a week.

Taking a walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Push yourself, if you can, but keep in mind that moderate exercise is better than none at all.

You can have borderline high cholesterol and be at a healthy weight. But if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can help bring your cholesterol level back down.

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels. One study found that adults who took part in a 12-week exercise program lowered their LDL by 18 points, and their total cholesterol dropped 26 points.

With a combination of weight loss and a healthy diet, it’s possible to lower LDL levels up to 30% – results that are similar to taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you’re not sure whether your weight is in a healthy place, ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI). A normal BMI is 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 or higher, ask your doctor for advice on the best types of physical activity for you.

If you smoke, kicking the habit can help raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol up to 10%.

Have you tried to quit smoking before? For many people, it takes a couple of tries. Keep trying until it sticks. It’s worth it, for your whole body’s health.

During regular screening appointments, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to see if the changes you’ve made have gotten you to your cholesterol goal.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower borderline high cholesterol, your doctor may talk to you about medication.

Top Picks

What level of cholesterol is considered high? | Eternal questions | Question-Answer

09.01.2017 17:28

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

948724

Category:
Diseases and treatment

The level of cholesterol in the blood is an important indicator of health. Cholesterol is present in every organ, in every cell membrane and in muscle. Without this substance, the construction of the skeleton, the regeneration of damaged tissues, the metabolism and the production of the most important sex hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen and cortisol, are impossible.

A person receives only 20% of cholesterol from food, in particular, from animal fats, meat, some types of proteins and other products, and the remaining 80% is produced in the human liver.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is usually divided into “bad” and “good”. Both forms are found in the blood plasma as part of lipoproteins: complex complex compounds consisting of fats and proteins.

“Good” cholesterol is the code name for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The main function of “good” cholesterol is the continuous transfer of excess cholesterol from the blood to the liver for processing and further excretion from the body. Therefore, such cholesterol actively protects the body from serious diseases and cleanses the inner walls of blood vessels.

In contrast, “bad” cholesterol settles inside the walls of the arteries, forming plaques. It combines with apoproteins (special types of protein) and forms fat-protein complexes (LDL). Dangerous for health is the increase in the level of this particular cholesterol.

Cholesterol norms for women and men

The content of cholesterol in human blood can vary from 3.6 mmol/l to 7.8 mmol/l. The optimal level of cholesterol is considered:

Norms of blood cholesterol in men by age

Norms of blood cholesterol in women by age

What happens when you have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be caused by:

How can blood cholesterol levels be controlled?

Only physical activity can increase the level of “good” cholesterol: medium and moderate physical activity on the body can increase its production. A low-carbohydrate diet can also help lower bad cholesterol levels. You should exclude the use of margarine, mayonnaise, chips, pastries, fried foods and convenience foods.

How can I check my cholesterol level?

To find out your cholesterol level, you should do a biochemical blood test. The analysis can be taken in almost any clinic, for this they take approximately 5 milliliters of blood from the cubital vein. It is important to know that before taking a cholesterol test, you should not eat anything for 12 hours, limit yourself to physical activity.

See also:

• …What are the standards for blood sugar and cholesterol levels? →
• What pressure is considered normal, low and high? →
• …What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol? →

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Lactoflorene Cholesterol | Cholesterol under control

Lactoflorene Cholesterol | Cholesterol under control | Lactoflorene

RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

malnutrition

excessive alcohol consumption

smoking

physical inertia

overweight and obesity

high cholesterol

age

hypertension

DO YOU KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL?

5.2
mmol/L

6. 2
mmol/L

NORMAL
BORDER
HIGH

CHOLESTEROL UNDER CONTROL WITH

CHOLESTEROL

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HELP TO MAINTAIN
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• prevention and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels
• control of cholesterol levels in people with moderate hypercholesterolemia
• reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
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FOR THOSE WHO ARE AT RISK FOR
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INNOVATIVE FORMULA

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fermented red rice

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bifidobacteria

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coenzyme Q10

VITAMIN B3 (nicotinamide) Helps increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides

vitamin PP

action

Lactoflorene® CHOLESTEROL helps to improve the lipid profile,
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• HELPS LOWER LDL – CHOLESTEROL
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  -17%

* Macchi C. Efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical with probiotic and red yeast rice extract in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Atherosclerosis August 2017 Volume 263, Page e109(McKee Ch. Efficacy and safety of dietary supplements with probiotics and red enzyme rice extract in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia)

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OPEN

DUOCAM® bag

DISSOLVE

content in a small amount of water at room temperature

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faq

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cell membranes of all animal organisms. It performs a number of important functions in the human body. The substance is part of the cell membranes, protecting every particle of our body from outside influences. That is why with age, the concentration of cholesterol in the body increases – the cells become more vulnerable, and they need additional protection. Cholesterol plays an important role in the production of vitamin D, steroid hormones, estrogens, testosterone, and is also involved in the processes of the nervous and immune systems. Most of the cholesterol (80%) is produced by the liver, intestines and kidneys, and the remaining 20% ​​enter the body with food.

What level of cholesterol is considered high?

The content of total cholesterol below 5 mmol / l is considered optimal (“desirable”).

Level of total cholesterol 5.1-5.9 mmol/l is regarded as moderately elevated.

A total cholesterol level above 6 mmol/l is considered high.

What are high and low density lipoproteins?

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), “good cholesterol”, slow down the growth of plaques and lead to inhibition of atherosclerosis processes, their high level does not harm health, but only helps to strengthen it.

“Bad cholesterol” – low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in high concentration lead to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, as a result, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases significantly.

What is hypercholesterolemia?

A pathological condition associated with a persistent increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. Hypercholesterolemia is not considered a disease, but is only a factor contributing to the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

What is dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia is a lipid metabolism disorder characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood and/or a decrease in the content of anti-atherogenic high-density lipoproteins. Lipid metabolism disorders (first of all, high blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and atherogenic lipoproteins) are the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis.

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the appearance of foci of lipid infiltration (plaques) in the walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the main factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Diseases associated with atherosclerosis include:

• myocardial infarction
• ischemic heart disease
• stroke
• atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities
• circulatory disorders of the abdominal organs

What strains of bifidobacteria are included in Lactoflorene®Cholesterol?

Bifidobacteria Bifidobacterium longum BB536® in the amount of 1×109 CFU.*

Have the status of GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe), which means international recognition of the safety of bifidobacterium Bifidobacterium lactis HN019TM, including for children from the first days of life, as well as the absence of restrictions on use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

*COE is a colony forming unit (an indicator of the number of viable microorganisms).

other products Lactoflorene ^®

springs

1. Efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical with probiotic and red yeast rice extract in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Chiara Macchi, Margherita Botta, Raffaella Bosisio, Chiara Pavanello,
Chiara Maria Toldo, Giuliana Mombelli, Laura Calabresi, Massimiliano Ruscica, Paolo Magni Abstract ID 78448. 2. Comparative efficacy of statins in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease S.V. Shalaev, Z.M. Safiullina, L.V.
Kremneva, O.V. Abaturova. 3. Khokhlov A.A., Sychev D.A. Estimation of the frequency of potentially significant drug interactions in patients taking statins. Clinical pharmacology and therapy. 2015. V. 24. No. 5. S.