Colesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in your blood. It can be made by your body. But, you also get it from the food you eat.

El exceso de colesterol en la sangre puede causar problemas de salud. If too much of it builds up, blood can't flow to your heart. This can cause a heart attack.

Más de la mitad de los adultos estadounidenses tienen niveles de colesterol elevados. There are two types of cholesterol that make up your total cholesterol reading.

• Nivel de colesterol HDL (bueno) 
  High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is "good cholesterol". It removes cholesterol from the blood stream. The higher your HDL level is, the better. Men's HDL levels should be above 40 mg/dL. Women's HDL levels should be above 50 mg/dL. Lower levels can raise your chance for heart disease. Levels higher than 60 mg/dL can lower your chance for heart disease.

• Nivel de colesterol LDL (malo)
  Unlike HDL, lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol," are better. LDL leaves cholesterol on your artery walls. This creates cholesterol plaque that can clog your arteries. Your goal LDL level should be based on your chance of having a heart attack. Esto se basa en su edad, consumo de tabaco, presión arterial y nivel de HDL. Su médico también tendrá en cuenta la diabetes y la historia familiar de enfermedades cardíacas.

Too much or too little of HDL or LDL can affect your health. A cholesterol blood test is used to find out if you have too much of either.

Examen de colesterol

El examen de colesterol es un análisis de sangre que mide los niveles de colesterol en la sangre. Su médico le informará si debe estar en ayunas, o no comer ni beber nada, antes de la prueba. Los resultados de la prueba muestran sus niveles en miligramos por decilitro (mg/dL) de sangre.

Existen tres tipos de exámenes:

• Full lipid panel - This test is most often used to judge the chances of heart disease. Mide los niveles de colesterol total, LDL y HDL, y los niveles de triglicéridos.
• Total cholesterol test - This measures the total of all types of cholesterol in your blood to see if the level is normal or high. Se utiliza con la misma frecuencia que el lipidograma.
• Direct LDL test – This measures your LDL level only and is used when LDL can’t be measured by the other test for technical reasons.

The goal of all three tests is the same: to let you know your risk of heart disease. These tests start at age 35 for most men and 45 for most women. A cholesterol test is recommended every five years or as directed by your doctor.

While results can vary, the best levels are often:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL)
• HDL: Más de 40 mg/dL para hombres; más de 50 mg/dL para mujeres
• LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Triglyceride: Less than 150 mg/dL 

Controlar el colesterol

Para mantener los niveles de colesterol bajo control, realícese exámenes periódicamente. Risk factors for high cholesterol are:

• Not being active.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.

The good news is you can lower your cholesterol. You can make healthy food and lifestyle choices. These include watching what you eat and avoiding cigarette smoke.

Let your doctor know if high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease run in your family. All of these can be hereditary. Posiblemente, su médico le indique cambios en su dieta y estilo de vida. They can also do tests to help assess your risk. This will help them decide if medication is a good choice for you.