How Often Should Cholesterol Be Checked?

Heart disease caused 27.1 percent of all U.S. deaths in 2005, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Heart problems that resulted from high cholesterol accounted for 68.3 percent of these deaths. Regular cholesterol screenings are the only way to monitor your blood cholesterol levels.

Identification

Cholesterol is a fatty material that's manufactured in the liver. It's present in all areas of the body and travels through the bloodstream as well. When too much cholesterol is in the blood, it can begin to build up along the walls of the arteries. Cholesterol build causes deposits, or plaque, to form. The only way to know whether or not plaque build-up has occurred is by having your cholesterol levels checked. For healthy adults, cholesterol levels should be checked at least once every five years.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol in the body: low-density lipoproteins(LDL) and high density lipoproteins(HDL). Lipoproteins are the carriers that move cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the body's cells where it's needed. A lipoprotein is a protein molecule that grabs onto a cholesterol molecule and transports it into the cell. LDLs are called the "bad" cholesterols while HDLs are considered good, or healthy. This is because a high proportion of LDLs in the blood indicates that the cells have more than enough cholesterol to function normally. A high level of HDLs is a good sign because these lipoproteins clean up the plaque deposits left by the LDLs.

Blood Testing

Because heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, cholesterol tests fall under preventative care, and are covered under most health-insurance plans. A simple blood test will identify total cholesterol and HDL levels. A lipoprotein profile test is a more comprehensive blood test that identifies LDL and triglyceride levels in addition to HDL and total levels. Triglycerides are another form of fat found in the blood that's distributed to muscle and adipose tissues. These tests can be done as part of a routine physical exam. A healthy level for the total count would be 200 or lower. A level of 100 to 129 is considered healthy for LDLs, while HDLs should come in at 60 or more.

Risk Factors

A number of factors can contribute to rising cholesterol levels. Diets rich in fatty foods, and low in fruits, grains and vegetables result in high levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of healthy cholesterol. As the body ages, cholesterol levels tend to rise. Men who are 45 years or older, and women who are 55 years or older may see an increase in these levels. A family history that includes heart disease may also predispose a person to high levels. Individuals with diabetes and those with a history of high blood pressure are also at risk.

Medication and Treatment

Those who've suffered a heart attack or stroke as a result of high cholesterol may be prescribed medication to help lower their counts. Statin drugs are used to slow down liver production while increasing the liver's ability to eliminate LDLs from the bloodstream. Bile acid sequestrant drugs also lower LDL levels by binding with cholesterol in the intestines, before it enters the blood stream. Niacin, which is a B vitamin, also helps improve low density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels. However, the dosage needed to affect these levels is unusually high and should be monitored by a physician to avoid the risk of adverse effects.

References

• Cholesterol : The Test
• Cholesterol Prevention

Resources

• Cholesterol : The Top 5 Food to Lower Your Numbers