National Cholesterol Education Month
September marks National Cholesterol Education month, making it the perfect time to check in on your heart health! Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells of your body. It builds and maintains cell walls, makes hormones, produces vitamins, and aids in digestion of food. Your body needs cholesterol to stay healthy, but high cholesterol is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease. This month, take control of your health by understanding your levels and shaping heart-healthy habits.
Know Your Numbers! Balance is Key
The only way to detect high cholesterol ratings is through a blood test called a lipid panel. A lipid panel measures the amount of fat molecules, called lipids, in your blood. It’s important to monitor your heart health annually; high cholesterol is often called a “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms, yet it is a leading cause for heart disease. More frequent may be required for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or those already taking cholesterol-lowering medications.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Having too many lipids in your blood can lead to a fatty substance building up in your arteries. Subsequently, this can cause narrowing of the arteries and increase risk of heart disease. There are multiple lifestyle factors that can raise your cholesterol:
- Poor Diet: Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats,
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary, inactive lifestyle,
- Excess Weight: Obesity changes how your body handles lipids,
- Smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels,
- Alcohol & Stress: Drinking excessively and experiencing high stress can increase hormones that trigger cholesterol production.
Additionally, genetics, family history, medical conditions, and medicine also play a major role:
- Inherited Genes: Some genetic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism can be passed down and raise cholesterol,
- Age: The older you get, the less efficient your liver becomes at removing bad cholesterol from your blood,
- Medication: Certain drugs–such as steroids, retinoids, or blood pressure medicines–can raise cholesterol.
What Can I Do to Take Care of Myself?
- Adjust Your Fats: Swap saturated fats found in fatty meats and full-fat dairy for heart-healthy monounsaturated, healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Add soluble fiber to your day with oatmeal, beans, and fresh fruits to help flush out excess cholesterol.
- Prioritize Exercise: Even brisk walking or cycling can help boost your good cholesterol. Daily movement and consistency are key!
- Schedule Screenings: Call the Erie County Community Health Center to schedule your screening appointment and know your numbers.
Recommended Resources:
- Read Next: ECHD/ECCHC Earn National Recognition
- Learn More: What is a Patient Centered Medical Home?
Clinically reviewed by the healthcare professionals at the Erie County Health Department.