Email a Friend
Print Article
Managing Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, also called a lipid, that's produced by the liver. It's also found in foods high in saturated fat, like fatty meats, egg yolks, shellfish, and whole-milk dairy products. It's a vital part of the structure and functioning of our cells. However, high levels of bad cholesterol in your blood may lead to the slow buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, a serious disease called atherosclerosis.
What Is the Difference Between Good & Bad Cholesterol?
Watch VideoA Closer Look
So how can something your body needs be harmful? Well, not all cholesterol is considered bad. There are actually three main components doctors evaluate when you have a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. They look at LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and another substance called triglycerides.
The fact is that bad cholesterol can be harmful to your health when there's too much bad cholesterol in your blood. Whether you have high bad cholesterol may depend on your lifestyle. Eating a lot of fats and not getting enough exercise can cause cholesterol levels to rise. Cholesterol is also, in part, a result of your genetic makeup. Some people inherit genes associated with high levels of cholesterol. One type is called familial hypercholesterolemia. People with this genetic makeup can eat a healthy diet and exercise, and still have high cholesterol.
Everyone with high cholesterol needs to keep it under control, but it may be even more important for some groups of people, such as
- People with a family history of early heart disease
- People with high blood pressure
- People with diabetes
- Males over age 45
- Females over age 55
- Smokers
- African Americans
If you fall into any of the categories above, ask your doctor to discuss how your target cholesterol levels may be affected.
What's Your Cholesterol Goal?
Managing high cholesterol may be different for you depending on your medical history and your health. Your doctor will look at the results of your cholesterol test, also known as a fasting lipid profile, and, using this information along with your medical background, establish a cholesterol goal for you. Always ask what your cholesterol numbers mean, based on your complete health history, so you can work together with your doctor to manage your cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol Guidelines
National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines recommend that all adults over age 20 have a cholesterol test at least once every 5 years. Take a look at the guidelines below to get a better idea of where your cholesterol levels should be.
| Total cholesterol level | ||
|---|---|---|
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable | Total cholesterol is based on your LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) counts. Generally, a lower cholesterol level is better. |
| 200-239 mg/dL | Borderline high | |
| 240 mg/dL or higher | High | |
| LDL-C | ||
| Less than 100 mg/dL | Optimal | LDL-C is considered the "bad" cholesterol because if you have too much LDL-C in your bloodstream, it can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries over time, known as atherosclerosis. Generally, a lower LDL cholesterol level is better. |
| 100-129 mg/dL | Near optimal/above optimal | |
| 130-159 mg/dL | Borderline high | |
| 160-189 mg/dL | High | |
| 190 mg/dL or higher | Very high | |
| HDL-C | ||
| 60 mg/dL or higher | High | HDL-C is considered the "good" cholesterol because it helps return cholesterol to the liver, where it can be eliminated from the body. Generally, a higher HDL cholesterol level is better |
| Less than 40 mg/dL | Low | |
| Triglycerides | ||
| Less than 150 mg/dL | Normal | Triglycerides, like cholesterol, are another substance that can be dangerous to your health. Like LDL-C, you want to keep your triglycerides low. |
| 150-199 mg/dL | Borderline high | |
| 200-499 mg/dL | High | |
| 500 mg/dL or higher | Very high | |
| Source: National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) | ||
Depending on your overall health profile — which takes into consideration factors such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, a family history of early heart disease, and age (over 45 for men and over 55 for women) — your doctor may recommend that you have your cholesterol levels followed more closely.
It's important to manage your cholesterol and reach your goals, because if you don't, your high cholesterol may contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor or health care professional about how to manage and treat your high cholesterol. If you have any questions about your cholesterol or how it may contribute to the slow buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, a disease called atherosclerosis, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you would like more information about CRESTOR or managing high cholesterol.
In adults, CRESTOR is prescribed along with diet for lowering high cholesterol. CRESTOR is also prescribed along with diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries) as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR has not been approved to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
Important Safety Information about CRESTOR
- CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR, anyone with liver problems, or women who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant
- Your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment with CRESTOR to monitor your liver function
- Unexplained muscle pain and weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away
- The 40-mg dose of CRESTOR is only for patients who do not reach goal on 20 mg
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications
- Side effects: The most common side effects are headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea
Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.
Read full Prescribing Information
Read Important Information for Patients
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
CRESTOR is licensed by AstraZeneca from Shionogi & Co LTD, Osaka, Japan.
CRESTOR is a registered trademark, and CRESTOR 360° is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
©2009 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 284217 10/09
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Free Support, Just for You
Get off to a good start with step-by-step tips, ongoing information, and a 30-day free trial offer.
