* ~-*wJ,^~"» :*:;>>:*- Senior Health Connection news 1 e t t e r Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center «M /fi> €'/?' August 2010 Know Your Cholesterol Numbers: Know Your Risk What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that carries digested fat from your liver to parts of your body that need fat for energy and healing. It also carries fat to "fat storage sites" in your body such as your stomach and hips. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol in your body. But some comes from eating foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. A certain amount of fat and cholesterol in your blood is healthy and normal. But too much—or abnormal levels of certain types—can cause problems. Knowing the facts about cholesterol can reduce your risk for heart attack or stroke, but understanding what cholesterol is and how it affects your health are only the beginning. Cholesterol itself isn't bad, it is broken up into two types: good" (HDL), and bad" (LDL). When too much "bad" cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream, it can slowly build up on artery walls and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. "Good" cholesterol protects against heart disease. Low levels of <.(. 44 HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease. To keep your cholesterol under control you should: • Schedule a screening • . Eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fats • Maintain a healthy weight • Exercise regularly • Stop smoking • Follow your healthcare professionals advice Source: American Heart Association 65