The information provided by Advanced Healthcare for Women and E. Daniel Biggerstaff, III, M.D. is for informational purposes only. As each woman is unique, do not rely on this information for diagnosis and treatment. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content and advise that you see a qualified Health Care Professional for individual needs and care.

Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance that can have both beneficial and harmful effects on your health. Cholesterol is necessary for production of hormones (chemicals that control normal body function). It is also used to build and maintain nerve cells. At the same time, excess cholesterol can cause partial or total blockage of blood vessels;

This may result in a stroke or heart attack. Cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States

Where does cholesterol come from? Most of the cholesterol is produced by the liver from fats, carbohydrates, and protein that you eat. Some cholesterol comes directly from the food that you eat (animal products only). Until you reach the menopause (the change), estrogen protects most women from the harmful effects of too much cholesterol. After the menopause, your risk of cardiovascular disease can rise. Hormone replacement therapy can help protect you from the effects of estrogen deficiency.

Cholesterol should be measured (with a simple blood test) every 5 years unless your physician advises it be checked more often. A lipid profile not only measures cholesterol but also measures:

• VLDL or very low density lipoprotein
• LDL or low density lipoprotein
• HDL or high density lipoprotein, and
• Triglycerides.

Fat is carried throughout your blood vessels to your fat tissue as VLDL. When some of the fat (but not the cholesterol) is deposited in your tissues, it becomes LDL. LDL is the so-called "bad cholesterol" because it can stick to your blood vessels and cause blockage. HDL, also called "good cholesterol," helps prevent cholesterol from building up on vessel walls. It does this by picking it up and carrying it back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed out of the body. The goal is to have a high HDL and a low LDL. Triglycerides are another type of fat that may be elevated in certain people. The levels found in the lipid profile are:

Total cholesterol

• <200 good
• 200-239 borderline
• >239 not good

HDL cholesterol

• >59 good
• 35-59 normal
• <35 low (not good)

LDL cholesterol

• <130 good
• 130-159 borderline risk
• >159 high (not good)

Triglycerides

• <200 normal
• 200-400 borderline high
• 400-1,000 high
• >1,000 very high

1. family history of heart disease (especially before age 55 in men or before 65 in women)
2. high LDL cholesterol (low HDL cholesterol)
3. estrogen deficiency – recent data suggests that hormone replacement therapy may not provide the protection from cardiovascular disease that was previously thought
4. diabetes
5. obesity
6. inactive life style
7. cigarette smoking

You cannot change your genetic predisposition for development of cardiovascular disease, but reducing the other risk factors can significantly affect your likelihood of cardiovascular disease.