Cholesterol Checkup Checklist: A Guide for National Cholesterol Education Month

In September we celebrate National Cholesterol Education Month—meaning it’s the perfect time to become proactive about heart health. It’s also a great time for the public and pharmacies to educate themselves on optimal cholesterol levels and how they go hand in hand with a healthy heart.

Heart disease is on the rise. From 2019 to 2020, heart disease-related deaths increased by 4.9% for American adults, marking it as an alarming health issue that deserves attention.

In this blog post, we’ll go into detail on the different types of cholesterol, as well as provide a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your next doctor’s visit.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays a role in building cell membranes and producing hormones. It’s often perceived in a negative light, but it is an essential part of how our cells function.

There are two primary types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. In excess, this type can accumulate in the arteries. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is coined as "good" cholesterol. This is because it takes excessive cholesterol away from the arteries and to the liver.

The problem with LDL cholesterol is that it can build up in the blood and cause blockages. When this happens, it poses serious health risks, including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.

Unfortunately, high cholesterol isn’t uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 86 million American adults have total cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dL.

1. Know Your Personal Risk Factors

Like many health issues, genetics and family history can be an early indicator of possible cholesterol problems and heart disease risk.

However, genetics isn’t the only important marker for high cholesterol. Other common risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

To minimize risk, it’s crucial to address any unhealthy lifestyle patterns by making small changes until they become habits.

2. Understand Cholesterol Numbers

First things first: you need to know what your cholesterol levels mean. It’s easy to feel mystified when you see a range of unexplained numbers, so let’s break them down.

The optimal range of cholesterol considers three factors:

1. LDL cholesterol
2. HDL cholesterol
3. total cholesterol

Ideally, LDL cholesterol (or the “bad” cholesterol) should be below 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol (the “good cholesterol”) should be above 60 mg/dL. Total cholesterol, a combination of both HDL and LDL, should be below 200 mg/dL.

Triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, are also a useful measure to understand. They should be below 150 mg/dL. Watch out for high triglyceride levels, as they can indicate an increased risk for heart disease.

3. Prepare for Your Appointment

Because there are not really noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol, there’s no way to know your levels without a blood test. Therefore, it’s advisable that you get tested every 4-6 years. If it’s been a while since your last check-up or you haven’t yet been tested, consider scheduling an appointment.

To help feel prepared before your check-up, make a list of questions for your healthcare provider or pharmacy suppliers. Some questions to ask can include:

• What are the optimal cholesterol levels for someone in my age and sex group?
• If my cholesterol levels are outside the optimal range, what are the next steps?
• How frequently should I have my cholesterol levels checked in the future?

Remember to fast 9-12 hours before your appointment. Fasting helps ensure accurate measurements, particularly for LDL cholesterol.

4. Know What to Expect

Cholesterol testing, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile, is a common and relatively simple blood test. It’s used to assess your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

Here's what you can expect before and during a cholesterol test:

Fasting: As mentioned, fasting for 9-12 hours prior to the test is recommended. During the fasting period, you should only drink water and avoid food, beverages, and medications.

Blood Sample: Cholesterol testing typically involves drawing a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm. The actual blood draw is usually quick and relatively painless. You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, but discomfort is minimal.

There are common concerns associated with cholesterol testing:

Fear of Needles: If you're anxious about needles, communicate this with the healthcare provider beforehand. They can use smaller needles, and some clinics offer numbing creams.

Discomfort: If you experience discomfort during the blood draw, let the provider know. They can adjust the needle or technique to make it more comfortable.

5. Interpret Your Results

Once the blood test has been analyzed, your provider will likely guide you through the test results. They can also interpret the findings in the context of your overall health, risk factors, and medical history.

Understanding the numbers is critical, as certain levels may indicate a higher risk of heart disease. Higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels are typically concerning, as they may suggest a need for lifestyle changes or medication.

Remember to actively engage in the conversation between you and your provider. Ask questions and seek clarification if necessary. That way you can feel empowered to make informed decisions about your own heart health.

Additionally, if you need to interpret the numbers yourself, there are many helpful resources online.

6. Create a Long-Term Plan

It’s possible that your cholesterol levels won’t be where you want them to be. In that case, you’ll need to have a plan going forward.

This begins by finding the root cause behind your high cholesterol levels. With the help of your doctor, you can narrow down what might be the issue.

Then, with that knowledge in mind, you can begin to make lifestyle changes. This may include adopting a nourishing, heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It could also mean that you engage in more regular exercise or moderate alcohol consumption. Your doctor might also recommend medication from local pharmacy suppliers.

Whatever the case, create a plan that works for you and stick to it. A strict approach to managing high cholesterol is key to maintaining long-term heart health.

In Summary

Heart health doesn’t need to be complicated. With a foundational understanding of cholesterol numbers, risk factors, and interventions, we can begin to have agency over our health.

However, it’s easy to overlook the importance of regular checkups. This September, it’s time to take National Cholesterol Education Month and ongoing heart health awareness seriously. That means we must take proactive steps toward managing cholesterol levels for a healthier life.

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