subject: Cholesterol- Factors Affecting Cholesterol Level [print this page] High blood cholesterol level is linked to an elevated risk of heart disease and having a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of
death in the United States. Over one million Americans have heart attacks, and approximately half a million people die from heart disease every
year. Because of this, it is very important that people, particularly senior citizens, monitor their cholesterol and take the necessary measures to
keep it in a healthy range.
Cholesterol is a fat like substance. When there is too much of it in your blood, it will begin to build up in your arteries. This causes the
arteries to become narrower over time, slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Oxygen is carried throughout the body in blood. If not enough
oxygen is carried to the heart, you may experience chest pain. When blood supply to part of the heart is cut off completely, you will experience a
heart attack.
High blood cholesterol alone does not have any symptoms, so many people do not realize that their cholesterol is too high. Because of this, it is
important to monitor your cholesterol levels; and if they are too high, take the necessary steps to lower them. Everyone 20 years of age or older
should get their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. Senior citizens should be especially vigilant about this because cholesterol levels rise as we age.
The lipoprotein profile is a blood test done after fasting that checks your blood cholesterol
levels. It will give you information regarding your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. If you
are not able to get a lipoprotein profile, knowing your total cholesterol as well as your HDL cholesterol can give you a good idea about your blood
cholesterol levels.
HDL or good cholesterol actually reduces risk of heart disease, so higher levels of HDL are favorable. Levels higher than 60 mg/dL of HDL are
considered positive. Less than 40 mg/dL is considered low and increases the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides act like LDL or bad cholesterol,
high levels increase the risk of heart disease. Levels greater than moderately high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL and above) may require
treatment.
Factors that Affect Cholesterol Levels
Many elements of our lifestyle affect blood cholesterol levels, including diet, weight, and physical activity. As we age, we tend to become more
sedentary and eat less nutritious meals, this makes senior citizens more likely to become overweight or obese. These factors contribute to senior
citizens having an elevated risk of developing high cholesterol. It is important that senior citizens with high cholesterol and those responsible
for their elder care consider what may be contributing to their condition.
Diet. Eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol raise your cholesterol levels. On the other hand, taking in less saturated fat
and cholesterol lowers your cholesterol levels.
Weight. Being overweight or obese greatly increases your risk for developing heart disease. It also is associated with high cholesterol
levels. Losing weight helps lower both the risk of heart disease and blood cholesterol levels.
Physical Activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity helps to lower
total cholesterol levels and facilitates weight loss.
There are other factors that affect cholesterol including age, gender, and heredity. Note, because blood cholesterol levels rise with age, senior
citizens are at especially high risk for developing high cholesterol levels.
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