About this topic
Cholesterol is a waxy matter in your blood. Your liver makes cholesterol for your body. You also get cholesterol from food that you eat. � �
There are three types of cholesterol: � �
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) � � � This is "bad cholesterol. " � LDL causes cholesterol and other matter to build up and clog your arteries.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) � � � This is "good cholesterol. " � HDL helps clear matter from your arteries.
- Triglycerides � � � This is a type of fat in the blood.
Your body needs cholesterol to work the right way. But, too much cholesterol is bad for your health. Cholesterol can clog your arteries, lowering blood flow in the body. This may lead to bad health problems like stroke, heart disease, and heart attack. You can control your high cholesterol levels with drugs and lifestyle changes. � �
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
- If you are too heavy, lose weight.
- Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar at healthy levels.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Lower LDL levels
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar, if needed
Will physical activity be limited?
Regular exercise can help. Try to do something that gets your heart rate up, like walking, for 30 minutes most days. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. � �
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. Ask to see a dietician for help with a plan that is right for you. In general, eating healthy means: � �
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
What problems could happen?
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- Stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat a healthy low-fat diet with lots of fruit, veggies, and whole grains.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Get regular exercise.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: � �
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians � �
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/high-cholesterol.printerview.all.html � �
American Heart Association � �
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp � �
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbc/ � �
National Institute of Health � � � Senior Health � �
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/highbloodcholesterol/whatishighbloodcholesterol/01.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �