One in three Americans has high cholesterol, which raises the risk for heart disease and stroke. If you're among them, there's a lot you can do to control it.
To find out what your cholesterol levels are, ask your doctor for a blood test called a lipid panel. The results come back as numbers. For most adults, the numbers should be:
- Total cholesterol: 200 or lower
- LDL, or "bad," cholesterol: Lower than 130
- HDL, or "good," cholesterol: Higher than 60
- Triglycerides: Lower than 150
Talk with your doctor about your results. Some people who are already at a higher risk for heart disease may have different targets.
If your numbers are borderline or high, try lifestyle changes to lower them. Quit smoking, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. If these methods don't work, ask your doctor or Good Neighbor Pharmacy pharmacist about medications to bring your numbers down.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, November 2013
Share with Friend
