In honor of National Cholesterol Education Month in September, here are a few facts about cholesterol that everybody should know.

Key takeaways: 

• Cholesterol is a natural compound that supports bodily functions
• There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL 
• Too much LDL can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases 
• A healthy diet and routine exercise can improve cholesterol levels 
• Prescription medication can also help individuals manage their cholesterol 

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance present in the body’s bloodstream and cells. It’s crucial for several bodily functions, such as the production of hormones, cell membranes, and vitamins. Approximately 80 percent of the body’s cholesterol needs are synthesized by the liver and intestines, while the remaining 20 percent comes from food.

Health risks associated with high cholesterol

Although your body produces cholesterol naturally, an imbalance in cholesterol levels can be seriously detrimental to your health. More specifically, excessive cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease. 

This, however, isn’t the only adverse health issue associated with high cholesterol. Additional health risks include: 

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes or heart attacks. 
• Increased risk of steatosis (fatty liver disease)
• Gallstones 
• Impaired digestion and nutrient absorption
• Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque on arterial walls) 
• Peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow to the limbs) 
• Hormone imbalance 
• Vitamin D deficiency 

Given the number of health issues associated with cholesterol, it’s important to understand just what it is and how it impacts the body – starting with the fact that all cholesterols aren’t created equal.

Types of cholesterol

There are two main forms of cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because it contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. On the other hand, HDL is considered “good cholesterol” as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. 

Another form of cholesterol is very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). VLDL plays a crucial role in transporting triglycerides throughout the body and can also contribute to cardiovascular risks if its levels are elevated. All in all, striking a healthy balance between the different types of cholesterol is essential for maintaining heart health. Here’s what you need to know about each type:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 

LDL cholesterol is the lipid protein responsible for transporting cholesterol particles from the liver to other cells of the body. An excess of LDL can cause a buildup of plaque in artery walls, contributing to the restriction of blood flow and increasing the likelihood of heart-related diseases. This is why it’s commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.” 

High levels of LDL can contribute to other health risks such as: 

• Hypertension 
• Heart attack 
• Cardiovascular diseases 
• Atherosclerosis
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) 
• Reduced blood flow to the organs 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL cholesterol is the lipid protein responsible for managing cholesterol metabolism. It helps transport excess cholesterol from tissues and arteries back to the liver and reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries. It also has antioxidant properties that prevent the development of atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

High levels of HDL can contribute to health benefits such as: 

• Cardiovascular protection
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Enhanced endothelial function 

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

Lastly, VLDL cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that transports triglycerides from the liver to tissues and organs. After delivering the triglycerides to these tissues, the VLDL transforms into intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and, eventually, into low-density lipoprotein (LDL). 

High levels of VLDL are associated with health risks such as: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Insulin resistance 
• Decreased HDL levels 
• High Triglyceride levels 

As you can see, these different types of cholesterol produce very different effects on human health, which is why cholesterol tests that determine how much of each type we have in our bodies are so important.

Understanding cholesterol levels

Cholesterol levels are typically measured through a blood test called a lipid profile or lipid panel. This test assesses the amount of cholesterol in your blood, providing valuable information about your LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. 

While everyone is different and you should discuss your personal cholesterol results with your doctor, the following are considered good target cholesterol levels: 

• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL 
• HDL cholesterol: More than 60 mg/dL
• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL

So, what are some factors that may affect your cholesterol levels? 

1. Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to higher cholesterol levels. Those with a family history of high cholesterol should monitor their levels on a regular basis. 
2. Diet and lifestyle: Diets that are high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats can increase cholesterol levels. Similarly, regular physical activity can help regulate cholesterol levels.
3. Medications: Cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins, can help lower LDL levels. 

While you can’t do anything about your genetics (at least not yet), you can definitely control the other factors that lead to undesirable cholesterol levels.

Managing cholesterol levels

Getting your cholesterol levels under control doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. Small steps towards better habits can contribute to significant lifestyle changes. Here are some top tips to help you manage your cholesterol levels and keep your heart (as well as your overall health) in check.

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Striving for a healthy BMI will help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. 
2. Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates: Try to limit foods like sweet desserts or white bread and instead opt for whole-grain ingredients. 
3. Incorporate healthy fats: Include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, which are found in fish, nuts, and seeds. 
4. Exercise regularly: Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week to raise HDL cholesterol and improve your overall fitness. 
5. Limit your alcohol intake: Excess alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems, including elevated levels of LDL and VLDL. 
6. Stop smoking: Smoking lowers the level of HDL cholesterol and damages blood vessel health, increasing the likelihood of heart disease. 
7. Manage stress levels: High levels of stress can affect your cholesterol levels, so try to relax and practice techniques like yoga or meditation. 
8. Conduct regular tests: Opt for regular cholesterol checks to help track progress and identify areas for improvement. 
9. Prescription medication: If your doctor has authorized cholesterol-lowering drugs, make sure to follow your prescription. 
10. Dietary supplements: You could also opt for dietary supplements to help lower cholesterol. However, this should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Ideally, it’s best to keep your cholesterol in check with a combination of healthy lifestyle factors, including eating right, exercising, and not smoking. But if you do reach a point where you need cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs, ModRN Health is here to help.

Managing cholesterol with ModRN Health

The first step to living a happy and fulfilling life is ensuring your health is in good order. By understanding the different types of cholesterol and how to monitor your levels, you can adopt healthy habits that will help keep adverse health risks at bay.

Sometimes, however, diet and exercise aren’t enough. And if your doctor does advise taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, don’t let worry over the cost prevent you from taking care of your health.

ModRN Health can help you save money on your prescription medications by finding the cheapest options in your area. And it couldn’t be easier. Just visit our website and create a free account to start benefiting from our drug discount search tool. You can also download our mobile app and earn reward points – redeemable for gift cards to your favorite stores – for each prescription refill. 

So don’t let the high cost of prescriptions add to the stress of managing your medical conditions. Join ModRN Health and start saving money today!