Baylor Dallas News

 When it comes to controlling your cholesterol, there’s more to know than just a number. Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, shares a breakdown of what a cholesterol screening can find:

• LDL, or low-density lipids, are the "bad guys" that contribute to a buildup of plaque on the blood vessel walls, reducing blood flow and raising the risk of blood clots forming. Depending on your risk factors—age, family history, low HDL, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking habits—your doctor will likely recommend maintaining your LDL below 70 to 160.
• HDL, or high-density lipids, carry excess cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated. The higher your HDL levels, the better protection for your heart, says the American Heart Association. Levels of 60 and above are optimal.
• Triglycerides are a form of fat that is made by the body. A high triglyceride level can be harmful and usually goes hand in hand with low HDL and high LDL. Levels of less than 150 are normal.
• Lp(a), an inherited abnormal protein that attaches to LDL particles, can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, says the Berkeley HeartLab, an organization offering an advanced cholesterol screen that looks at Lp(a) and other factors.
• Small LDL trait can increase your risk of heart disease. The smaller the LDL, the more easily it can slip inside artery walls to deposit excess cholesterol and cause damage.
• HDL2b is the largest of the HDL particles. The larger your HDL particle, the better job it does removing cholesterol from the blood.

You can improve your LDL numbers with diet. Reducing your overall caloric intake can help you lose weight, which can help lower your LDL. Replacing animal products with fruits, vegetables and whole grains can also help, since animal products contain cholesterol. If you do choose animal products, opt for lower-fat versions. It’s more difficult to improve your HDL than your LDL, but exercise can help.

If lifestyle changes don’t bring your numbers into line, your doctor might recommend supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils, niacin or red yeast rice extract, or prescription medications including statins.

Concerned about your cholesterol? Talk with your doctor about screening recommendations and treatment options. For a referral to a physician on the Baylor Dallas medical staff, click here.