Lowering Cholesterol “Counts” for Elderly
by Jauron McKelvin
Pfizer Exercise Physiologist

Lowering elevated cholesterol levels can reduce the occurrence of coronary heart disease and increase overall health in older Americans. Cholesterol reduction slows the progression of coronary heart disease and in some cases reverses it. Knowing what cholesterol is and what it consists of will help you understand how to control the levels. For some people, lowering cholesterol levels will significantly prolong their lives.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance present in the blood that is white, crystalline, odorless, and tasteless. It’s an essential substance that your body uses to form cell membranes, some hormones, and other tissues. It also enables the body to synthesize bile acids and vitamin E. There are two types of cholesterol. They are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The LDL’s carry the “bad” cholesterol throughout the bloodstream and form plaques. This is called atherosclerosis. The HDL’s carry the “good” cholesterol and helps rid the body of the bad cholesterol in the blood. Although cholesterol is made by several organs of the body, the predominant organ is the liver. It also is ingested in some foods you eat, including: meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Knowing what cholesterol is and eating healthier will decrease the onset of many events of coronary heart disease.

Many first events of coronary heart disease, such as heart attacks and angina strike after age 65, and this population of Americans has the nation’s highest rate of coronary heart disease. For this reason, older adults also should know the other factors besides high cholesterol levels that put them at risk for developing coronary heart disease. The other risk factors include: family history of premature coronary heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, menopause without estrogen-replacement therapy, living a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes.

With all of these risk factors at hand for coronary heart disease, cholesterol ranks as high as any one of them. So, cutting down elevated cholesterol levels can significantly add years to your life! The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that older Americans control their cholesterol levels by following a diet that is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Also, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active play a major role. Having your cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years will also decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Your physician can measure your LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels by analyzing your blood. As ongoing scientific studies provide new information about cholesterol and coronary heart disease, the recommended levels of LDL and total cholesterol are descending. Desirable total blood cholesterol is less than 200mg. A high level of cholesterol in the blood is 240mg or greater.

With all of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, especially in the older population, cholesterol is one that can easily be changed from a major factor to a non-factor. Other things you can do to lower your total cholesterol are to lose weight if you are overweight, participate in regular exercise, and quit smoking. If these practices aren’t working, your physician may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication. So, in order to lead a cholesterol healthy life and cross it off the list as one of your risk factors for CVD, try to familiarize yourself with cholesterol and follow the recommendations and guidelines outlined in this article. Also, consult with a nutritionist in order to make sure that what you are eating is right for you, and remember to get your cholesterol count taken at least once every five years. With this, you will live a longer, healthier life.