Senior Living News

1. There Are Two Main Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your bloodstream. It’s produced in the liver and essential to new cell production. But all cholesterol isn’t the same.

• LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, can build up in the arteries, collecting on the walls. This action narrows the passageway for blood particles, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. You’ll often hear this called bad cholesterol.
• HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, helps remove accumulated LDL, returning it to the liver for removal from the body. You’ll frequently find HDL referred to as good cholesterol.

2. Excess Cholesterol in the Bloodstream Increases Your Risk of Health Problems

When LDL accumulates in the arterial walls, it forms a substance called plaque, leading to atherosclerosis and its related problems.

• Plaque that breaks away from the walls may float through the bloodstream, eventually blocking blood flow to the heart (heart attack) or the brain (stroke).
• Thickened arteries leave less room for oxygenated blood, causing chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.
• Narrowed arteries in the kidneys can cause high blood pressure.

3. Cholesterol Levels Should Be Checked Regularly

As a general guideline, adults over 65 should have their cholesterol checked yearly via a blood sample. However, your doctor may recommend a testing schedule more or less frequent than this. In addition, most doctors will check triglyceride levels at the same time. Triglycerides are a type of fat commonly found in the body. If your cholesterol levels aren't within normal range, your doctor may prescribe medication and encourage lifestyle changes.

4. Your Family History Influences Cholesterol Levels

The ability to regulate LDL is a genetic trait similar to blue eyes or curly hair. Therefore, even if your lifestyle is picture-perfect, you may still be at risk for heart attack or stroke due to high cholesterol levels. That’s why it’s so essential to visit your doctor regularly and follow up with the requested lab work.

5. A Healthy Diet Can Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease

Eating less fat is one of the best ways to reduce its circulation through the bloodstream. This is especially true of saturated fats (butter, cheese and animal fat)  and trans fats (margarine and shortening).

An indulgence occasionally is no cause for concern, but diets containing a large portion of these fats can increase your risk for high cholesterol and its related problems. Consider making small changes with healthy seasonal food if you’re not up for a complete overhaul. In addition, adding soluble fiber (found in oatmeal, bran, beans, and apples) can help prevent the absorption of fats in your digestive tract.

6. Exercise Enhances HDL’s Role

Regular exercise is not just good for your bones, joints and mood. It can also help improve HDL function, making it work better at removing bad LDL. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. While that may seem like a lot, it averages out to only 30 minutes 5 days a week.

You can choose from any number of enjoyable activities within the LifeStream at Youngtown community or venture out into the nearby Youngtown, Arizona, parks or sports complexes for hiking, pickleball or golf.

7. Smoking Is Twice as Bad When It Comes to Managing Cholesterol

If you’re trying to embrace a healthy lifestyle, including improved cholesterol levels, you must quit smoking. Smoking affects both types of cholesterol, increasing your LDL and decreasing your HDL levels. The good news is that you’re never too old to quit smoking, and stopping now can produce benefits within weeks.

Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting, as some medicines require a prescription. In addition, group support can make a huge difference. Enlist your friends in the assisted living community to help keep you occupied, especially after meals.

8. Cholesterol-Lowering Medications May Be Your Best Option

Regardless of all your efforts, it’s possible your cholesterol may not be at the levels you and your doctor would prefer due to genetics or other chronic health conditions. When that occurs, your doctor may prescribe one of several medication classes.

Statins are the most commonly used medicine for high cholesterol, recognized by their generic names, which end with statin. These medications work by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body that helps produce lipoproteins. Statins are usually well-tolerated by many people. However, if you're over 75 or have other health concerns, your doctor may prefer another type of cholesterol-management drug.

One common side effect of statins is muscle aches and pains, but it may be hard to determine if the statin is at fault or the muscle pains result from another cause. Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor; heart problems or stroke risks may outweigh any side effects.

Several other types of medications exist to help with lowering cholesterol levels. So, if you have difficulty with statins, you still have options.