How Does Cholesterol Affect the Heart?

Vital to Life

It may be tempting to give cholesterol a bad rap, but the body must have it to function. This fatty substance, or lipid, travels in the bloodstream to the cells where it's used to make cell membranes, vitamin D and sex hormones. It's divided into two types known as LDL and HDL, which added together make up the total cholesterol level. When these numbers combine to equal 200 mg/dL or higher, the risk of heart disease increases.

LDL

To meet the body's needs, LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) should stay in the range of 100 to 29 mg/dL. Problems arise when LDL gets higher, because this lipid builds in the arteries and contributes to narrowing--which disrupts blood flow. This hardening of the arteries is also called atherosclerosis. In this process, blood has a harder time bringing oxygen to the heart, so one might experience chest pain. A severe blockage can lead to a heart attack.

HDL

HDL, considered the good cholesterol, should be greater than 40 mg/dL in men and over 50 mg/dL in women. When HDL goes lower than this, the risk of heart disease increases. Therefore, maintaining a higher level provides protection against cardiovascular problems. This is because HDL plays an important part in lowering LDL by carrying it back to the liver where it is metabolized.

Make a Plan

Meet with a health care professional to discuss your risk of heart disease. Factors include co-existing health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, family history and factors within your control. Those who are overweight, don't exercise or smoke will benefit by making lifestyle changes that reduce cholesterol and improve heart health. This may involve exercise, dietary changes and smoking cessation.