Pattaya Heart Center - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

Cholesterol

What is hypercholesterolemia?

Hypercholesterolemia is an excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood (more than 240 milligrams per deciliter). This condition contributes to the development of hardened arteries (at herosclerosis) and can lead to chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attack or stroke.

.......................................................................

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 100 million people have a cholesterol level considered borderline-high (200-239 mg/d). Even this level of total cholesterol can place individuals at a greater risk for heart-related disease.

.......................................................................

Cholesterol screenings can help detect high cholesterol. Regular screenings are particularly important for men over 35 years of age and for women over 45 years of age. Research studies have found that, for every 1 percent reduction in one's blood cholesterol level, the risk of coronary heart disease decreases as much as 3 percent.

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

Cholesterol screenings can be performed quickly and simply, typically through blood drawn from a vein of through a fingertip “prick test.”

.......................................................................

A cholesterol screening gives only an approximate indication of your cholesterol level. Even under normal conditions, test results may be as much as 14 percent higher or lower than actual cholesterol levels. In addition, test results may vary even when repeated within a very short period of time. For these reasons, your physician may provide you with results in a range such as “between 150 and 160 mg/d” rather than with an exact number.

.......................................................................

Test results may include a ratio of total cholesterol to good (HDL) cholesterol. For example, a ratio of 5:1 means your total cholesterol, in mg/d, is 5 times greater than your HDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association encourages individuals to maintain a cholesterol ratio of 5:1 or lower.

HDL levels should be maintained at 35 mg/d or more, regardless of total cholesterol

How is high cholesterol treated?

Hypercholesterolemia may be due to either genetic or controllable causes. The most common cause of high cholesterol is too many fats and oils, particularly saturated fats, in the diet. The best strategy for avoiding dangerously high cholesterol levels is to choose a low-fat diet such as the National Cholesterol Education Program recommended Step I and Step II Diets and limit the amount of saturated fats, which tend to cause the body to produce more cholesterol and start to enjoy a healthy lifestyle as soon as possible, Cholesterol deposits begin forming at a young age, so preventive care can be taught to children early on and practiced for a lifetime.

.......................................................................

The Step I Diet

Saturated fat = 8 to 10 percent of total daily calories
30 percent or less of daily calories from fat
Less than 300 mg daily dietary cholesterol

The Step II Diet

Saturated fats < 7 percent of total daily calories
30 percent or less of daily calories from fat
Less than 200 mg daily dietary cholesterol
If you think you may have high cholesterol, speak with your physician to determine which dietary program best suits your individual situation. Your physician may also suggest other programs, including:
- Weight loss
- Exercise/fitness
- Smoking cessation
- Alcohol reduction