What is Cholesterol?

Meet "Aunt Rosie," who shares the news she just received from her doctor following a routine checkup — she has high cholesterol. But, Aunt Rosie has learned a lot about blood cholesterol levels and how to manage them. And she’s more than happy to share her knowledge.

		Hello, sweetie. It’s Aunt Rosie. I was at my doctor, right up the block, and since I was in the neighborhood…Nothing to be alarmed about, dear. Just a routine checkup. But guess what! My doctor just told me that I — of all people — have high cholesterol.
		I said, "How is that possible, doctor? I feel fine." He told me that people with high cholesterol usually don’t feel bad or sick. But, over time, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems. And that’s why every adult should get their cholesterol level checked!
		Did you know that cholesterol is a kind of fatty substance that we need to build cells, make certain hormones, and even make vitamin D? And, we make cholesterol right inside our bodies — in the liver. Go figure!
		We also take in cholesterol from certain foods that we eat, like eggs, meat, shellfish, and whole-milk products.
		Whether a person’s cholesterol is high or low depends on how much cholesterol they make inside their liver and how much cholesterol and other fats are in their diet.
		But get this: there is "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol."
		The doctor explained it this way: cholesterol moves through the body in our bloodstream. But, as it happens, cholesterol and blood are like oil and water. They just don’t mix. So in order for cholesterol to travel in the bloodstream, it has to be carried.
		In our bodies, cholesterol is carried by special proteins — which are like tiny suitcases carting the cholesterol this way and that. The fully packed suitcase, made up of a combination of protein and cholesterol and other fats, is called a "lipoprotein."
		Two types of lipoproteins that doctors measure are called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, which is the good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which is the "bad cholesterol."
		When there is too much LDL — the bad cholesterol — in your bloodstream, it can stick to the walls of blood vessels. Over time, this buildup of cholesterol can clog your system — not a good thing.
		On the other hand, HDL — the good cholesterol, may help carry cholesterol away from the blood vessel wall — sort of like cleaning out the blockages in your plumbing system...
		The bottom line, sweetie, is that I want my LDL — or bad cholesterol level to be low and my HDL — or good cholesterol level to be high. Get it? "L" for "low" and "H" for "high."
		Nowadays, they have simple blood tests that doctors use to measure not only the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, but also how much of that is the good stuff and how much is the bad stuff.
		Now, I know what you’re thinking. Just what should the cholesterol numbers be? What numbers are healthy?   Well, according to the experts of the National Cholesterol Education Program, there are very specific guidelines for people like you and me. And each person’s goal is different, depending on his or her age and medical history. That’s why everyone should talk to their doctor and find out what their cholesterol levels are, and what they should be.
		How do you reach your cholesterol goals? You start by eating less food high in fat and cholesterol, and by exercising. If that doesn’t work, then there are medicines that you can take. Most people who take medicine for their cholesterol take pills called "statins," which lower the amount of cholesterol made by your liver.   I also learned that if you’re a smoker and you quit, you can increase your good cholesterol.
		My goodness! Time flies when your talking cholesterol... I’ve got to run, and I mean run! I’m starting a new fitness program. By the way, do you know your cholesterol levels, sweetie? You should! Toodles!

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