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When you have heart disease: What you should know about lowering your LDL cholesterol

What should you know about cholesterol?

Cholesterol is carried in the blood by lipoproteins:

• Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, carry most of the cholesterol in the blood. LDL is called bad cholesterol. It can stick to the walls of arteries and lead to a build-up of fatty plaque.
• High-density lipoproteins, or HDL, help the body get rid of LDL. HDL is called good cholesterol. A high level of HDL is linked with a low risk for heart disease.

Triglycerides are another fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides may damage blood vessels and increase the risk for heart disease.

Why is the LDL level so important?

Most people with heart disease have too much LDL cholesterol. LDL is the main cause of blockage in the arteries. To lower your risk for future heart attacks, the most important thing you can do is lower your LDL level.

How should your cholesterol be checked?

People with heart disease need more than a “finger-stick” blood check. You will need a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. This test will break down your total cholesterol number into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. You will need to fast – nothing to eat or drink except water – for 9 to 12 hours before this test.

What should your numbers be?

The latest guidelines show that if you have heart disease:

• Ideally, your LDL level should be 100 or less. Any decrease in your LDL will help decrease your risk.
• Your HDL level should be above 45 if you are a male, and above 55 if you are a female.
• Your triglyceride level should be below 200.

What can you do to lower your LDL?

Take medication as prescribed. Your health care provider may prescribe medications that can lower your cholesterol by changing how your liver makes cholesterol. When you start taking the medication, you will be asked to have blood work to measure your progress and to watch for side effects.

Follow a low-fat meal plan, even if you take cholesterol-lowering medication. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fats (especially saturated fat), meats, and high-fat dairy products.

Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help lower your LDL and raise your HDL. It can also improve your heart and lung fitness and help you control your blood pressure, weight, and stress levels. Be sure to consult your health care provider before starting a new program.

Manage your weight. People who are overweight usually have higher blood cholesterol levels than people whose weight is normal. A low-fat meal plan and exercise should put you on the right track for weight control.

What if you do NOT have heart disease?

If you do not have heart disease and would like information on cholesterol management, you will want to check out the following resources:

• Download a tool to help you figure out your risk for heart disease and what your target cholesterol should be.
• Information on cholesterol screening recommendations and what your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels should be.
• Locate cholesterol management events or classes online.

More resources

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• American Heart Association

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you believe you have a health problem.