We’re in the beginning of National Cholesterol Education Month. Cholesterol can be tricky to understand sometimes! Check out the answers to the most common myths about blood cholesterol levels below.
All cholesterol is bad for you.
False. Cholesterol isn’t all harmful to your health. Your body needs cholesterol to do crucial jobs, like making hormones and building cells. It moves through your blood on proteins known as lipoproteins. Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol around your body: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. When your body has an excess of LDL cholesterol, it can accumulate in the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup goes by the name plaque. Over time, plaque builds up in your blood vessels, making them narrower inside. This narrowing can limit and eventually stop blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood can’t reach the heart, it can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.
I would be able to feel it if I had high cholesterol.
False. High cholesterol doesn’t give you any warning signs. You might not realize your cholesterol levels are unhealthy until it’s too late—when you suffer a heart attack or stroke. This is why getting your cholesterol checked at least once a year is so crucial.
Eating foods with a lot of cholesterol will make my cholesterol levels go up.
True, but it’s not always straightforward. Keep in mind that foods high in cholesterol often contain lots of saturated fat too. Saturated fats can boost your cholesterol levels, so it’s smart to pick foods with less saturated fat. Animal products, like red meat, butter, and cheese, are packed with saturated fats. Try to eat foods rich in fiber instead, such as oatmeal and beans. Experts also suggest eating healthy unsaturated fats, which you can find in avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
I don’t need medications for my cholesterol. I can manage my cholesterol with diet and exercise.
False. While many people can reach healthy cholesterol levels by eating right and staying active, some might need drugs called statins to lower their cholesterol. Doctors suggest statins if you have:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) – this runs in families and is characterized by elevated levels of “bad cholesterol” or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) – Individuals with CVD often have arteries that have narrowed due to excessive plaque buildup. Cholesterol-reducing medications can help lower the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes – This condition decreases HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels while increasing “bad” cholesterol levels. This mix boosts your risk of heart disease and stroke.
To determine whether or not you are suffering from any of these problems, the only way to find out is to have a blood test and then discuss the findings with your cardiologist. It’s crucial to discuss with your doctor about the most effective ways to handle your cholesterol.
