Numbers (mg/dL) shown are recommendations according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Your LDL cholesterol goal depends on how many other risk factors you have, such as your age, family history, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, or low HDL. In general, LDL goal is less than 160 mg/dL if you have one or no risk factors; LDL goal less than 130 mg/dL if you have 2 or more risk factors; and LDL goal less than 100 mg/dL if you have coronary heart disease or diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and what your cholesterol goals should be.
Focusing only on bad cholesterol may not be enough. It is also important to manage good cholesterol and triglycerides.
Taking care of bad cholesterol (LDL) is important. But for many people, it may not be enough. It's critical to manage all the parts of your cholesterol. Triglycerides (Trigs), good cholesterol (HDL), diet and exercise are also important components to overall cholesterol management.
The roles triglycerides and good cholesterol play.
- Triglycerides (Trigs), a type of fat in the blood, may contribute to the hardening of arteries, making it harder for blood to flow.
- Good cholesterol (HDL) is important because it helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood.
Are you at risk?
The fact is, millions of adult Americans with high cholesterol also have problems with good cholesterol or triglycerides or both. Are you one of them? If so, you may be at increased risk for a heart attack.
Find out now.
Get a wake-up call. Take this Risk Assessment.. Why? Because if you check even one box, your risk for a heart attack may be increased.
Chances are, you know that certain lifestyle choices and unhealthy cholesterol levels can increase your risk for a heart attack. But even if you've made changes like watching what you eat, exercising, and focusing on bad cholesterol, you may need something more to help get your levels where they need to be.
So take this risk assessment and share it with your doctor. Your health may depend on it.