This information helps your health care team determine your risk for heart disease or stroke. Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time.
This process is called atherosclerosis. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Section Navigation. This extra LDL, along with other substances, forms plaque. The plaque builds up in your arteries; this is a condition called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease happens when the plaque buildup is in the arteries of your heart. It causes the arteries to become hardened and narrowed, which slows down or blocks the blood flow to your heart. Since your blood carries oxygen to your heart, this means that your heart may not be able to get enough oxygen.
This can cause angina chest pain , or if the blood flow is completely blocked, a heart attack. A blood test can measure your cholesterol levels, including LDL. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are:. With LDL cholesterol, lower numbers are better, because a high LDL level can raise your risk for coronary artery disease and related problems:.
Some people with familial hypercholesterolemia FH may receive a treatment called lipoprotein apheresis. This treatment uses a filtering machine to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Then the machine returns the rest of the blood back to the person.
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
What is cholesterol? It is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. In some cases, high LDL is inherited.
This condition is called familial hypercholesterolemia FH. This may lead to high LDL levels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke at a young age. You may need one or more medications such as:. Medications and supplements to reduce triglyceride levels may also be used such as niacin Niacor , omega-3 fatty acids, and fibrates. Learn more: 7 cholesterol-lowering drugs ».
High cholesterol can be concerning. If you have high cholesterol and act to reduce it, your risk of heart disease and stroke will most likely decrease. Lifestyle steps that help reduce cholesterol also support your overall health. Eating a healthy diet is an important first step. Here are some changes you can make today:. Learn more: The practical step guide to breaking up with sugar ». Exercise may also have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels. If you work at a desk, set an alarm on your cellphone or computer, or get a fitness tracker to remind you to get up and move for five minutes each hour.
Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Walking, swimming, or riding a bike are great options. Smoking increases your risk of not only high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease, but also many types of cancer. The earlier you know your cholesterol numbers, the sooner you can take steps to manage them. Learn more. Cholesterol ratio can give you additional information about your heart disease risk.
Learn what your numbers mean and how to use them to tailor your….
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