Cholesterol targets are the cholesterol levels that you need to reach in order to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and its complications (such as heart attacks and strokes). Based on your risk of developing heart disease, your doctor will recommend target levels of different types of cholesterol.
The most important cholesterol target is LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), which is the "bad cholesterol" that clogs your arteries and increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regardless of your level of heart disease risk, the goal is to keep your LDL-C under control. Your doctor can determine what specific number that should be for you.
Outside of your LDL-C goal, your doctor may monitor other cholesterol levels such as:
- Non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) measures all types of cholesterol other than HDL-C. It is equal to the total cholesterol (TC) minus the HDL-C. It is a good measure of how much harmful cholesterol a person has in their blood.
- Triglycerides (TG) are not the same thing as cholesterol. They are another type of fat often found in the body. TG is tested at the same time as cholesterol. TG can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. TG can also lower the levels of HDL-C.
- apoB (apolipoprotein B) is a protein that is part of LDL-C and VLDL-C (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and can cause inflammation in the blood vessels.
If your TG levels are high, your doctor may prefer measuring your non-HDL-C or ApoB levels instead of your LDL-C. Your doctor can help determine the right non-HDL-C and ApoB targets for you.
Cholesterol targets are used to guide your treatment and make sure that your treatment is doing enough to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and its complications.
With the proper treatment plan, you can meet your cholesterol targets. It's very important to use your medications exactly as prescribed so that you will be able to meet your targets. Read "How to reach your cholesterol targets" in this feature to learn more.
Ask your doctor what your cholesterol targets are, whether you are reaching them, and what you can do if you are not reaching your targets.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/You-your-doctor-and-your-cholesterol-levels
Make some healthy lifestyle changes
Changing your lifestyle can help you control your cholesterol and improve your heart health. Here are some things you can do:
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. You should exercise in intervals of 10 minutes or more to get optimal heart benefits.
- Eat a healthy diet – choose more whole grains, lean meats, high-fibre foods, fruits, and vegetables, and cut back on saturated and trans fats (check the ingredient list) and sweets.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking – ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to help you quit.
- Limit yourself to a maximum of 2 drinks per week and no more than 2 drinks per occasion.
Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your lifestyle changes.
Use medications as directed
Many people will need one or more medications to reach their cholesterol targets. Medications should be used in combination with healthy lifestyle changes. Keep taking your medication exactly as your doctor recommends. Even though you cannot feel it working, your treatment is helping you reach your targets.
Read "Staying motivated to reach your targets" in this feature for more help.
Keep track of your cholesterol levels
Along with medications and healthy lifestyle changes, your doctor will recommend regular cholesterol tests to see whether you are meeting your targets. Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your cholesterol test results. This will help you stay on track to meet your targets.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/You-your-doctor-and-your-cholesterol-levels
Many of us find it hard to stay motivated to reach our cholesterol targets. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
Keep the benefits in mind.
You can't see or feel your high cholesterol. That's why it can be so hard to stay motivated to take your medication and keep up your healthy lifestyle changes. To help you stay on track, remember why you're trying so hard to reach your targets. The benefits of reaching your targets include a lower risk of developing heart disease (in people who don't already have it), and its complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Healthy lifestyle changes can have other health benefits too. Exercise can improve your energy levels and fight stress. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of cancer, make breathing easier, and help improve your senses of smell and taste. Reaching a healthy weight can help you look and feel better.
Track your progress.
You can't feel your cholesterol levels changing. But you can keep track of your cholesterol levels and see how they change over time. This can help make the benefits of your treatment plan seem more "real", which can be very motivating. Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your cholesterol levels and your cholesterol targets. This will give you a real sense of your progress.
Don't get stuck at a roadblock.
If you run into a problem with your treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Most concerns can be resolved. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you're not sure if you're on the most appropriate cholesterol medication
- you're worried about side effects
- you're not sure how to use your medication
- you often forget doses of your medication
- you're having trouble fitting lifestyle changes into your routine
- you're not sure if your treatment is working
- you're feeling discouraged about your cholesterol treatment
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/You-your-doctor-and-your-cholesterol-levels
You and your doctor must work together as partners to help you reach your cholesterol targets. Here are 3 things to discuss with your doctor:
What are my cholesterol targets?
Your doctor will choose cholesterol targets for you. To learn more about cholesterol targets, see "What do the cholesterol targets mean?" in this feature. If you don't know your cholesterol targets, ask your doctor to write them down. You can use the Cholesterol Diary to record your cholesterol targets and track your cholesterol levels over time.
Am I reaching my cholesterol targets?
Your doctor will test your cholesterol levels regularly to see how your treatment is working. Ask your doctor how often you should be tested and whether you are reaching your targets.
What can I do if I am not reaching my targets?
If you are not reaching your cholesterol targets, ask your doctor what you can do. You may need to make additional healthy lifestyle changes, adjust the dose of your medication, change medications, or add a new medication. Tell your doctor if you have had any trouble with your medication, such as side effects or forgetting doses, or if you have stopped the medication on your own. This information can help your doctor select a more appropriate treatment and dose for you.
Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to help you prepare for your doctor's visit.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/You-your-doctor-and-your-cholesterol-levels
