Difference between revisions of "Calculate Cholesterol Ratio"
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===Getting a Cholesterol Test=== | ===Getting a Cholesterol Test=== | ||
| − | #Prepare for the test. Make sure not to eat food or drink liquids for nine to twelve hours prior to the test. Water is generally safe to consume before taking the test, but avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20013282</ref> | + | #Prepare for the test. Make sure not to eat food or drink liquids for nine to twelve hours prior to the test. Water is generally safe to consume before taking the test, but avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20013282</ref> |
| − | #*Talk to your health care provider about your current medications. Certain meds, like birth control, can raise your cholesterol levels. It may be recommended that you skip a dose before taking a cholesterol test.<ref | + | #*Talk to your health care provider about your current medications. Certain meds, like birth control, can raise your cholesterol levels. It may be recommended that you skip a dose before taking a cholesterol test.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Choose a location to get tested. It is recommended to get your cholesterol tested at your primary care doctor’s office because they will know your age, family history, and other health factors better than anybody. This is important information when the results are interpreted. Since your doctor knows you best, you will also be able to receive a more comprehensive plan for treating high cholesterol.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested_UCM_305595_Article.jsp#.Vi6cNfmrShc</ref> | + | #Choose a location to get tested. It is recommended to get your cholesterol tested at your primary care doctor’s office because they will know your age, family history, and other health factors better than anybody. This is important information when the results are interpreted. Since your doctor knows you best, you will also be able to receive a more comprehensive plan for treating high cholesterol.<ref name="rf2">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested_UCM_305595_Article.jsp#.Vi6cNfmrShc</ref> |
#*Many different types of home tests are available but have not been supported by most health organizations or associations. Make sure to read labels and directions carefully and use discretion when reading home tests. Results may not be accurate. | #*Many different types of home tests are available but have not been supported by most health organizations or associations. Make sure to read labels and directions carefully and use discretion when reading home tests. Results may not be accurate. | ||
#*Public screenings, while sometimes cheaper, are not recommended for adolescents or children. Adults should also be wary and make sure the screenings are done by a reputable company. They must have appropriate recruitment, reliability, properly trained staff and referral, and the necessary educational materials available to be acceptable. | #*Public screenings, while sometimes cheaper, are not recommended for adolescents or children. Adults should also be wary and make sure the screenings are done by a reputable company. They must have appropriate recruitment, reliability, properly trained staff and referral, and the necessary educational materials available to be acceptable. | ||
#*Some worksites provide screenings. These focus more on small-scale screenings with the potential of a higher reward, especially in follow-up and referrals. | #*Some worksites provide screenings. These focus more on small-scale screenings with the potential of a higher reward, especially in follow-up and referrals. | ||
| − | #Calculate your cholesterol ratio. A cholesterol test measures your HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The test is conducted by taking a small blood sample from your arm, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. The result will show your cholesterol level in millimoles per liter of blood (or milligrams per deciliter of blood in the United States) and it will be interpreted by your physician based on your age, family history, and blood pressure.<ref | + | #Calculate your cholesterol ratio. A cholesterol test measures your HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The test is conducted by taking a small blood sample from your arm, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. The result will show your cholesterol level in millimoles per liter of blood (or milligrams per deciliter of blood in the United States) and it will be interpreted by your physician based on your age, family history, and blood pressure.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*You will get three numbers back from your cholesterol test: your total cholesterol, your total HDL (good cholesterol) and your total LDL (bad cholesterol). A high overall cholesterol score does not necessarily equal bad health, as it could be high due to a prominence of HDL.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/finding-the-ideal-cholesterol-ratio?page=2</ref> | + | #*You will get three numbers back from your cholesterol test: your total cholesterol, your total HDL (good cholesterol) and your total LDL (bad cholesterol). A high overall cholesterol score does not necessarily equal bad health, as it could be high due to a prominence of HDL.<ref name="rf3">http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/finding-the-ideal-cholesterol-ratio?page=2</ref> |
| − | #*To find your cholesterol ratio, divide your HDL (good) cholesterol number into your total cholesterol number to get your ratio. For example, say your total cholesterol level is 200. Your HDL level is 50. This would make your cholesterol ratio 4:1.<ref | + | #*To find your cholesterol ratio, divide your HDL (good) cholesterol number into your total cholesterol number to get your ratio. For example, say your total cholesterol level is 200. Your HDL level is 50. This would make your cholesterol ratio 4:1.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*A desirable total cholesterol number is below 5.2 mmol/L (below 200 mg/dL) | #*A desirable total cholesterol number is below 5.2 mmol/L (below 200 mg/dL) | ||
#*A near optimal level for LDL is 2.6 – 3.3 mmol/L (100-129 mg/dL) | #*A near optimal level for LDL is 2.6 – 3.3 mmol/L (100-129 mg/dL) | ||
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#*The estrogen hormone in women might cause higher levels of HDL cholesterol. | #*The estrogen hormone in women might cause higher levels of HDL cholesterol. | ||
===Preventing High Cholesterol=== | ===Preventing High Cholesterol=== | ||
| − | #[[Control High Blood Pressure|Manage blood pressure]]. High blood pressure is one of the first major indicators of heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure it is because the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys is unhealthy and likely caused by high cholesterol.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/High-Blood-Pressure-or-Hypertension_UCM_002020_SubHomePage.jsp</ref> | + | #[[Control High Blood Pressure|Manage blood pressure]]. High blood pressure is one of the first major indicators of heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure it is because the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys is unhealthy and likely caused by high cholesterol.<ref name="rf4">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/High-Blood-Pressure-or-Hypertension_UCM_002020_SubHomePage.jsp</ref> |
#*You can control your blood pressure by eating healthy, exercising regularly, reducing stress, staying fit, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol. It can be difficult to make lifestyle changes. Consider asking your regular physician for a referral to a therapist who can help you manage the transition. | #*You can control your blood pressure by eating healthy, exercising regularly, reducing stress, staying fit, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol. It can be difficult to make lifestyle changes. Consider asking your regular physician for a referral to a therapist who can help you manage the transition. | ||
#*Most importantly, be aware that you have high blood pressure. There are few, if any, symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is your responsibility to get it checked. You get your blood pressure checked each time you visit the doctor's office but if you have issues with high blood pressure your doctor may recommend an at-home testing kit. | #*Most importantly, be aware that you have high blood pressure. There are few, if any, symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is your responsibility to get it checked. You get your blood pressure checked each time you visit the doctor's office but if you have issues with high blood pressure your doctor may recommend an at-home testing kit. | ||
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#*If you have a family history or are at risk for diabetes, reduce your weight, eat healthy, and increase your physical activity. These actions can greatly reduce the progression of diabetes. | #*If you have a family history or are at risk for diabetes, reduce your weight, eat healthy, and increase your physical activity. These actions can greatly reduce the progression of diabetes. | ||
#*Medication is also available if you have trouble controlling high blood glucose levels and to prevent heart attacks and strokes. | #*Medication is also available if you have trouble controlling high blood glucose levels and to prevent heart attacks and strokes. | ||
| − | #Get active. An active lifestyle is not only rewarding but also helps to prevent many conditions associated with high cholesterol. Make an effort to participate in daily physical activity. It will maximize your health and increase the length and quality of your life.<ref> http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/GettingActive/Getting-Started---Tips-for-Long-term-Exercise-Success_UCM_307979_Article.jsp#.Vi7gDjZdFPY</ref> | + | #Get active. An active lifestyle is not only rewarding but also helps to prevent many conditions associated with high cholesterol. Make an effort to participate in daily physical activity. It will maximize your health and increase the length and quality of your life.<ref name="rf5"> http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/GettingActive/Getting-Started---Tips-for-Long-term-Exercise-Success_UCM_307979_Article.jsp#.Vi7gDjZdFPY</ref> |
#*Any exercise that makes your body warm enough to perspire, and breathe heavily is healthy for your heart and helps reduce cholesterol. Some options include walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, or climbing. | #*Any exercise that makes your body warm enough to perspire, and breathe heavily is healthy for your heart and helps reduce cholesterol. Some options include walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, or climbing. | ||
#*Pick something that is comfortable for you and that you enjoy. That may be a structured exercise program, an individual daily routine, or a routine you engage in with a workout buddy. Keep in mind that if you genuinely enjoy your exercise routine you're more likely to stick to that routine. | #*Pick something that is comfortable for you and that you enjoy. That may be a structured exercise program, an individual daily routine, or a routine you engage in with a workout buddy. Keep in mind that if you genuinely enjoy your exercise routine you're more likely to stick to that routine. | ||
| − | #Eat healthier. Eating healthy is the most impactful action that you can take to better your health and lower your risk in numerous health categories, including high cholesterol. Make an effort to adopt a healthier overall diet.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/The-American-Heart-Associations-Diet-and-Lifestyle-Recommendations_UCM_305855_Article.jsp#.Vi7kYzZdFPY</ref> | + | #Eat healthier. Eating healthy is the most impactful action that you can take to better your health and lower your risk in numerous health categories, including high cholesterol. Make an effort to adopt a healthier overall diet.<ref name="rf6">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/The-American-Heart-Associations-Diet-and-Lifestyle-Recommendations_UCM_305855_Article.jsp#.Vi7kYzZdFPY</ref> |
#*Learn how calories work and [[Calculate Your Total Daily Calorie Needs|how many you should consume daily]]. Consider that most food labels are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and that you will need to figure out if you need more or less than that depending upon your age, gender, and level of physical activity. Talk to your doctor or a certified dietitian about making a meal plan that's healthy for you. | #*Learn how calories work and [[Calculate Your Total Daily Calorie Needs|how many you should consume daily]]. Consider that most food labels are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and that you will need to figure out if you need more or less than that depending upon your age, gender, and level of physical activity. Talk to your doctor or a certified dietitian about making a meal plan that's healthy for you. | ||
#*Regular physical exercise is a good way to maintain your weight and lower your cholesterol. | #*Regular physical exercise is a good way to maintain your weight and lower your cholesterol. | ||
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#*Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids twice a week, or consider other good sources of omega-3s, like avocado, olive oil, or nuts. | #*Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids twice a week, or consider other good sources of omega-3s, like avocado, olive oil, or nuts. | ||
#*Drink alcohol in moderation. This means one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men. | #*Drink alcohol in moderation. This means one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men. | ||
| − | #Lose weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the burden you place on your internal organs, especially your heart. Living an active lifestyle that helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight will keep your blood pressure down and your high cholesterol at bay.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/LosingWeight/Losing-Weight_UCM_307904_Article.jsp#.Vi7n9jZdFPY</ref> | + | #Lose weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the burden you place on your internal organs, especially your heart. Living an active lifestyle that helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight will keep your blood pressure down and your high cholesterol at bay.<ref name="rf7">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/LosingWeight/Losing-Weight_UCM_307904_Article.jsp#.Vi7n9jZdFPY</ref> |
#*The simple equation is to reduce the amount of calories entering the body compared to the amount of calories burned by the body. By eating more calories that your body burns, your body will store the excess energy as fat and you will gain weight. | #*The simple equation is to reduce the amount of calories entering the body compared to the amount of calories burned by the body. By eating more calories that your body burns, your body will store the excess energy as fat and you will gain weight. | ||
#*One pound is equal to approximately 3,500 calories. To lose one pound per week you would need to reduce the intake of calories by about 500 per day through a combination of diet and exercise. | #*One pound is equal to approximately 3,500 calories. To lose one pound per week you would need to reduce the intake of calories by about 500 per day through a combination of diet and exercise. | ||
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#*It is hard to keep track of calories at the grocery store; therefore, make a quick list with the calories written down beside them in a typical meal. This way you can better gauge what you are buying and eating. | #*It is hard to keep track of calories at the grocery store; therefore, make a quick list with the calories written down beside them in a typical meal. This way you can better gauge what you are buying and eating. | ||
===Understanding the Risks of Cholesterol === | ===Understanding the Risks of Cholesterol === | ||
| − | #Consider your risk factors. High cholesterol can be deadly because there are rarely any symptoms associated with it. Other factors —like risk for heart attack or stroke, which result from high cholesterol — should be taken into consideration when deciding to get tested or not.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp#.Vi6IXDZdFPY</ref> | + | #Consider your risk factors. High cholesterol can be deadly because there are rarely any symptoms associated with it. Other factors —like risk for heart attack or stroke, which result from high cholesterol — should be taken into consideration when deciding to get tested or not.<ref name="rf8">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp#.Vi6IXDZdFPY</ref> |
#*Work with your doctor to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle plan to lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. Your doctor can give you the best advice as they are familiar with your specific medical history and risk factors. | #*Work with your doctor to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle plan to lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. Your doctor can give you the best advice as they are familiar with your specific medical history and risk factors. | ||
#*High cholesterol is usually the direct result of a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and exposure to tobacco products. Strive to [[Raise Good Cholesterol and Lower Bad Cholesterol|manage your diet to lower cholesterol]]. Aim to eat less meat and more fresh vegetables and fruits. | #*High cholesterol is usually the direct result of a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and exposure to tobacco products. Strive to [[Raise Good Cholesterol and Lower Bad Cholesterol|manage your diet to lower cholesterol]]. Aim to eat less meat and more fresh vegetables and fruits. | ||
| − | #Learn the recommended age for testing. Many health organizations recommend that all people between the ages of 20 and 79 get tested every four to six years. Other organizations recommend getting a cholesterol test based on age and risk factors for heart disease.<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested_UCM_305595_Article.jsp#.Vi6FgPmrShc</ref> | + | #Learn the recommended age for testing. Many health organizations recommend that all people between the ages of 20 and 79 get tested every four to six years. Other organizations recommend getting a cholesterol test based on age and risk factors for heart disease.<ref name="rf9">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested_UCM_305595_Article.jsp#.Vi6FgPmrShc</ref> |
#*For men, testing is recommended if you are 35 or older; however, if you're between the ages of 20 and 35 and are at risk for heart disease, testing might be recommended sooner. | #*For men, testing is recommended if you are 35 or older; however, if you're between the ages of 20 and 35 and are at risk for heart disease, testing might be recommended sooner. | ||
#*For women, testing usually starts when you are 20. It may start earlier if you have an increased risk of heart disease. | #*For women, testing usually starts when you are 20. It may start earlier if you have an increased risk of heart disease. | ||
#*Children should only get tested if family history indicates they are at risk. | #*Children should only get tested if family history indicates they are at risk. | ||
#*All adults who already have high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, or diabetes should get tested at least once a year. | #*All adults who already have high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, or diabetes should get tested at least once a year. | ||
| − | #Be familiar with good and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood. Instead, it must be carried throughout your blood stream by lipoproteins (lipid proteins). There are two types of lipoprotein carriers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Your total cholesterol count consists of both LDL and HDL, and one-fifth of your triglyceride level (type of fat).<ref>http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp#.Vi6TdfmrShc</ref> | + | #Be familiar with good and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood. Instead, it must be carried throughout your blood stream by lipoproteins (lipid proteins). There are two types of lipoprotein carriers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Your total cholesterol count consists of both LDL and HDL, and one-fifth of your triglyceride level (type of fat).<ref name="rf10">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp#.Vi6TdfmrShc</ref> |
#*LDL, the bad cholesterol, contributes to the thick, hard deposit of plaque that clogs arteries, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and tries to pass through the blocked artery it will prevent blood from getting to your heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. | #*LDL, the bad cholesterol, contributes to the thick, hard deposit of plaque that clogs arteries, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and tries to pass through the blocked artery it will prevent blood from getting to your heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. | ||
#*HDL, the good cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries by carrying it back to the liver to be broken down. Blood cholesterol consists of 25 – 35% HDL. | #*HDL, the good cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries by carrying it back to the liver to be broken down. Blood cholesterol consists of 25 – 35% HDL. | ||
