High cholesterol: a widespread problem
High cholesterol is a problem shared by millions of people around the world. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in the foods we eat, can build up in the blood if people take in too much of the fatty substance. Too much cholesterol can build up in the arteries, causing the arteries to narrow or become clogged. This can lead to catastrophic heart attacks and other forms of heart disease.
Avoiding high cholesterol levels can be difficult in today’s world. Many people don’t take the time to exercise as often as they should. Meanwhile, fast food restaurants and process foods are staples in the diets of many American families. This combination of inactivity and unhealthy dieting has caused high cholesterol to become a growing, widespread problem that commands immediate attention. High cholesterol is easy to check for. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late.
The faces of high cholesterol
If you don’t think high cholesterol could affect you, think again. High cholesterol is a serious health problem that affects more than 98 million adults in the United States. Listed here are some statistics showing how high cholesterol impacts different demographics of people:
- Roughly 42 percent of white men and 48 percent of white women have borderline to high cholesterol. Of those, 14 percent of men and 18 percent of women have dangerously high cholesterol levels. That’s nearly one in five.
- Among African Americans, roughly 35 percent of men and 41 percent of women have borderline to high cholesterol, with 8 percent of men and 13 percent of women having dangerously high cholesterol levels. That’s a rough average of one in 10.
- Mexican Americans are the most likely to experience high cholesterol, with roughly 52 percent of men and 48 percent of women having borderline to high cholesterol levels. Of those, roughly 18 percent of men and 15 percent of women have dangerously high cholesterol levels. This demographic is unique because men are more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than women.
High cholesterol screening tests
Do you have high cholesterol? The only way to know for certain is to get tested by your doctor. A quick, easy blood test is all you need to see how high your cholesterol levels are. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein is known as the “bad cholesterol,” and it’s this number that matters most when gauging your overall health. Doctors recommend that all adults have their cholesterol levels tested at least once every five years. High cholesterol is a cumulative problem, meaning it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years to develop problematic cholesterol levels. Likewise, it takes time, treatment and healthy lifestyle choices for your cholesterol to return to safe levels.
Treating high cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will likely recommend a steady regimen of diet in exercise in addition to other lifestyle changes. You may be asked to visit a personal trainer or a physical therapist to learn exercises that will benefit you over time. Meeting with a physical health expert is highly recommended for people who have never worked out for any length of time.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, cholesterol-thinning drugs may be prescribed by your primary care physician. These medications help your body break down cholesterol and prevent the onset of heart disease. There are also numerous types of food that share the same qualities as these medications. Consider meeting with a nutritionist as you undergo your treatment for high cholesterol.
