Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I worry about my high cholesterol and triglycerides?
Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of lipids, or fats, and they are
necessary to the normal functioning of the human body.
However, increased total cholesterol levels, and increased level of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) have now been shown to be a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. In contrast, high HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol) have been correlated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Whether high triglycerides levels also are associated with a significantly increased risk of coronary disease is not entirely clear, but much suggestive evidence points in that direction.
Furthermore, it has now been shown that lowering elevated cholesterol levels can appreciably lower one’s risk for heart disease.
People should begin having their blood lipid levels measured every few years while they are still in their 20s, and more often as they get older. High total cholesterol levels and high LDL levels, as well as low HDL levels, ought to be corrected by diet, exercise, weight loss, and if necessary, by medication.
The answer to this FAQ, in other words, is that people should worry about their elevated cholesterol (and perhaps triglycerides) levels a lot.
Click here for a more detailed discussion of cholesterol and triglycerides – what causes lipid levels to become abnormal, how lipid levels should be evaluated, and how they should be treated.
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