What is borderline high cholesterol. How does it affect your health. What are the recommended treatment options. How can lifestyle changes help lower cholesterol levels. What role do medications play in managing 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 yet in the high category. Identifying and addressing borderline high cholesterol is crucial for preventing the progression to high cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.

To determine if you have borderline high cholesterol, a lipid panel blood test is necessary. This test measures:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – the “good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides

It’s important to note that borderline high cholesterol doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, making regular testing essential for early detection and management.

The Impact of Borderline High Cholesterol on Your Health

While borderline high cholesterol may not seem as concerning as high cholesterol, it still poses significant health risks. Excess cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls, forming plaque that narrows blood vessels and impedes blood flow. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can lead to serious cardiovascular problems if left unchecked.

Potential health risks associated with borderline high cholesterol include:

• Increased risk of heart disease
• Higher likelihood of heart attack or stroke
• Development of angina (chest pain) due to reduced blood flow to the heart
• Progression to high cholesterol if not managed properly

Understanding these risks emphasizes the importance of addressing borderline high cholesterol proactively.

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Cholesterol Levels

For many individuals with borderline high cholesterol, lifestyle changes can effectively bring levels back to the normal range. Here are some key strategies:

Dietary Changes

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial for managing cholesterol levels. Consider the following dietary modifications:

• Reduce saturated and trans fat intake
• Increase consumption of fiber-rich foods
• Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Choose lean proteins and limit red meat consumption
• Opt for healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados

Regular Exercise

Physical activity plays a vital role in cholesterol management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Regular exercise can help raise HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL and triglyceride levels.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for cholesterol control. Losing excess weight can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can have significant benefits for your cholesterol profile.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. Seeking support from healthcare professionals or smoking cessation programs can improve your chances of successfully quitting.

Monitoring and Evaluating Cholesterol Levels

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is essential for assessing the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and determining if further interventions are necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Periodic lipid panel tests to track changes in cholesterol levels
• Evaluating other risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and diabetes
• Considering additional diagnostic tests, like a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, to assess plaque buildup in heart arteries

By closely monitoring your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health, you and your healthcare provider can make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Medications for Managing Borderline High Cholesterol

While lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against borderline high cholesterol, some individuals may require medication to achieve optimal cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider may consider prescribing cholesterol-lowering medications if:

• Lifestyle changes alone are insufficient in lowering cholesterol
• You have additional risk factors for heart disease
• Your LDL cholesterol levels remain elevated despite other interventions

Common medications used to treat high cholesterol include:

• Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance needed to produce cholesterol in the liver
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the intestines, indirectly lowering cholesterol levels
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood

Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate medication based on your individual needs and risk factors.

The Role of Nutrition in Cholesterol Management

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing borderline high cholesterol. Understanding how different foods affect cholesterol levels can help you make informed dietary choices:

Foods to Limit or Avoid

• Saturated fats: Found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils
• Trans fats: Present in some processed and fried foods
• Refined carbohydrates: Such as white bread, sugary snacks, and sodas
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Cholesterol-Lowering Foods to Include

• Soluble fiber: Found in oats, beans, lentils, and some fruits
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Present in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Plant sterols and stanols: Naturally occurring in plants and added to some fortified foods
• Lean proteins: Such as skinless poultry, fish, and legumes
• Whole grains: Including brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat products

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve your overall lipid profile.

The Importance of Stress Management in Cholesterol Control

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. High stress levels can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption, which can all contribute to elevated cholesterol. Additionally, stress hormones like cortisol can directly affect cholesterol metabolism.

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies and relaxation activities
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

By incorporating stress-reduction strategies into your daily routine, you can support your efforts to manage borderline high cholesterol and improve your overall health.

Understanding Cholesterol Ratios and Their Significance

While individual cholesterol numbers are important, cholesterol ratios can provide additional insight into your cardiovascular risk. Two commonly used ratios are:

Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio

This ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease. Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with an optimal ratio being closer to 3.5:1.

LDL to HDL Ratio

This ratio is determined by dividing your LDL cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. A lower ratio is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. An optimal ratio is below 3.5:1, with lower ratios being even better.

Your healthcare provider may use these ratios in conjunction with other risk factors to assess your overall cardiovascular health and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

The Connection Between Genetics and Cholesterol Levels

While lifestyle factors play a significant role in cholesterol levels, genetics also influence your cholesterol profile. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that can cause high cholesterol levels from an early age. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, it’s important to:

• Inform your healthcare provider about your family history
• Consider genetic testing if recommended by your doctor
• Start cholesterol screening at a younger age
• Be more vigilant about lifestyle modifications and regular check-ups

Understanding your genetic predisposition can help you and your healthcare provider develop a more personalized approach to managing your cholesterol levels.

The Role of Supplements in Cholesterol Management

While dietary changes should be the primary focus for managing borderline high cholesterol, certain supplements may offer additional benefits. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Some supplements that have shown potential in supporting healthy cholesterol levels include:

• Fish oil or omega-3 supplements
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Plant sterols and stanols
• Soluble fiber supplements
• Red yeast rice (Note: This can interact with certain medications)

Remember that supplements should not replace prescribed medications or a healthy lifestyle. They should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The Impact of Age and Gender on Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels naturally change as we age, and there are differences between men and women. Understanding these factors can help you better interpret your cholesterol test results:

Age-Related Changes

• Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age for both men and women
• Men’s cholesterol levels generally plateau after age 50
• Women’s cholesterol levels often increase after menopause

Gender Differences

• Before menopause, women typically have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age
• HDL cholesterol levels tend to be higher in women than in men
• After menopause, women’s LDL cholesterol levels may rise

These age and gender-related changes highlight the importance of regular cholesterol screening throughout life and tailoring management strategies to individual needs.

Addressing Misconceptions About Cholesterol

There are several common misconceptions about cholesterol that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful decisions. Let’s address some of these myths:

Myth: All cholesterol is bad

Fact: While high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, HDL cholesterol plays a protective role. The body needs some cholesterol for essential functions like hormone production and cell membrane structure.

Myth: You don’t need to worry about cholesterol if you’re thin

Fact: While being overweight can contribute to high cholesterol, people of all body types can have cholesterol issues. Genetics, diet, and lifestyle factors all play a role in determining cholesterol levels.

Myth: You can’t eat eggs if you have high cholesterol

Fact: While eggs do contain cholesterol, their impact on blood cholesterol levels is minimal for most people. Moderate egg consumption can be part of a healthy diet, even for those with borderline high cholesterol.

Myth: Children don’t need to worry about cholesterol

Fact: Cholesterol issues can begin in childhood, especially in families with a history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Early screening and healthy habits can help prevent future problems.

By understanding these facts, you can make more informed decisions about your cholesterol management and overall health.

The Future of Cholesterol Management

As medical research advances, new approaches to managing cholesterol are emerging. Some promising areas of development include:

• Personalized medicine: Tailoring cholesterol management strategies based on genetic profiles and individual risk factors
• New drug therapies: Development of more targeted medications with fewer side effects
• Advanced imaging techniques: Improved methods for detecting and monitoring atherosclerosis
• Lifestyle interventions: Innovative approaches to diet and exercise that may more effectively lower cholesterol
• Microbiome research: Exploring the role of gut bacteria in cholesterol metabolism

While these advancements hold promise, it’s important to focus on current evidence-based strategies for managing borderline high cholesterol. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and open communication with your healthcare provider remain the cornerstones of effective cholesterol management.

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.

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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

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HOW TO USE

OPEN

DUOCAM® bag

DISSOLVE

content in a small amount of water at room temperature

DRINK

resulting solution

• SIMPLY
• convenient
• delicious

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.