Cholesterol


Hypercholesterolaemia

HypercholesterolaemiaCholesterol is a substance naturally found in the walls of cells. It is used by the body to produce certain hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat. If the amounts of cholesterol in the blood are excessive, cholesterol can build up in arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and many other serious conditions.
For more information, see Hypercholesterolaemia.


Animation: Hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia animationCholesterol is a type of lipid - an essential element contained in all human cells. Excess lipids and other fatty substances in the blood can cause hyperlipidaemia and other lipid disorders. Hyperlipidaemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Watch the animation on hyperlipidaemia. 


Video: Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol 

Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol videoThere are a number of risk factors that make cardiovascular disease more likely, including high cholesterol. Cardiologist Craig Juergens talks about what cholesterol does to the body, and its role in cardiovascular disease.

Watch the video Cardiovascular Disease and Cholesterol.


Heart

General Cardiovascular Disease 10-Year Risk Calculator

This risk assessment tool is based on data from the Framingham Heart Study to estimate 10-year risk for general cardiovascular disease outcomes (coronary death, myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, angina, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, peripheral artery disease, heart failure). This tool is designed to estimate risk in adults aged 30-74 years of age without CVD at baseline examination. Use the calculator below to estimate 10-year risk.

Predictors

Age years
  Male Female
Gender
  Yes No
Have you been diagnosed with Type II diabetes?
Are you a smoker?*
Are you prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure?
 
If you do not know the following blood pressure and cholesterol parameters ask your General Practitioner on your next visit.
Systolic blood pressure** mmHg
 
Total cholesterol*** mmol/L      OR mg/dl
 
HDL cholesterol**** mmol/L      OR mg/dl
 

Results

Significant (> 20%)
Elevated (10–20%)
Mild risk (< 10%)
You have a significant risk of future cardiovascular disease requiring aggressive risk factor modification. You should see a health professional to ensure appropriate management.
  • If diabetic, your sugar levels should be well controlled.
  • Continue to avoid tobacco use or if you are a smoker, consider stopping this is something your General Practitioner can help you with.
  • Blood pressure should be monitored closely. If elevated you should consider either lifestyle modification or appropriate medication. Your general Practitioner can advise you on this.
  • Cholesterol levels should be assessed at least annually. Depending on your level, you might be advised to commence lifestyle changes or medication.
Significant (> 20%)
Elevated (10–20%)
Mild risk (< 10%)
You have an elevated risk of future cardiovascular disease requiring risk factor modification. You should see a health professional to ensure appropriate management.
  • If diabetic, you should aim for your sugar levels to be well controlled.
  • Continue to avoid tobacco use or if a smoker, consider stopping this is something your general practitioner can help you with.
  • Blood pressure should be monitored closely. If elevated you should consider either lifestyle modification or appropriate medication. Your general Practitioner can advise you on this.
  • Cholesterol levels should be assessed at least annually. Depending on your level you might be advised to commence lifestyle changes or medication.
Significant (> 20%)
Elevated (10–20%)
Mild risk (< 10%)
You have a mild risk of future cardiovascular disease, consider risk factor modification. You may like to see a health professional to ensure appropriate management.
  • If diabetic, you should aim for your sugar levels to be well controlled.
  • Continue to avoid tobacco use or if a smoker, consider stopping this is something your general practitioner can help you with.
  • Blood pressure should be monitored closely. If elevated you should consider either lifestyle modification or appropriate medication. Your general Practitioner can advise you on this.
  • Cholesterol levels should be assessed at least annually. Depending on your level you might be advised to commence lifestyle changes or medication.
*For these purposes "smoker" means any cigarette smoking in the past month.
**Use current blood pressure, regardless of whether the person is on antihypertensive therapy.
***Total cholesterol values should be the average of at least two measurements obtained from lipoprotein analysis.
****HDL cholesterol values should be the average of at least two measurements obtained from lipoprotein analysis.
References:
  1. D'Agostino RB, Vasan RS, Pencina MJ, Wolf PA, Cobain M, Massaro JM, Kannel WB. General cardiovascular risk profile for use in primary care: the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation 2008; 117: 743-753.
  2. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002; 106: 31433421.
  3. Stancoven A, McGuire DK. Preventing macrovascular complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: glucose control and beyond. American Journal of Cardiology 2007; 99: 5H-11H.

This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous.


Cholesterol testing

Cholesterol testingThere are two major types of cholesterol found in the blood: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or 'good' cholesterol. A cholesterol test is a simple blood test that measures the levels of these two cholesterol types and triglycerides in the blood.
For more information, see Cholesterol Testing.


Tool: LDL cholesterol levels calculator

LDL Cholesterol Levels Calculator
This risk assessment tool is based on data from the National Cholesterol Education Program and the findings of the Adult Treatment Panel III to classify your LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
PREDICTORSRESPONSE
Ageyears
GenderMaleFemale
 
Do you have any of the following?YesNo
Coronary heart disease
Carotid artery disease (symptomatic)
Peripheral arterial disease
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Diabetes
Do you have a family history of premature coronary heart disease (males <55yrs; female <65yrs) in a first degree relative?
Are you a smoker?*
Is your blood pressure > 140/90 or are you prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure?**
What is your LDL cholesterol***mg/dl
HDL cholesterol***mg/dl
Total cholesterol***mg/dl
Triglycerides***mg/dl
*For these purposes "smoker" means any cigarette smoking in the past month
**Use current blood pressure, regardless of whether the person is on antihypertensive therapy.
***Cholesterol and triglyceride values should be the average of at least two measurements obtained from lipoprotein analysis

Results

We have identified that you have one or more risk factor/s for developing cardiovascular disease. It may be advisable to talk with your General Practitioner to further assess your risk and optimal cholesterol levels to aim for.

LDL Cholesterol
your LDL level falls within the optimal range. No specific intervention is required, just maintain a healthy lifestyle.
your LDL levels are slightly above optimal. You should discuss appropriate lifestyle changes with your General Practitioner.
your LDL level is higher than what is considered optimal. You should consult your General Practitioner to discuss methods of lowering this level. This may include lifestyle changes and/or medication.
please enter your LDL Cholesterol level.

HDL Cholesterol
your HDL level falls within the optimal range. No specific intervention is required, just maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Your HDL cholesterol is in the normal range.
your HDL level is lower than what is considered optimal. You should consult your General Practitioner to discuss methods of raising this level. This may include lifestyle changes and/or medication.
please enter your HDL cholesterol level.

Total Cholesterol
your total cholesterol level is appropriate for your age and gender. However more important than the total level is the individual components, LDL and HDL. Optimally, your LDL should be low and your HDL high, check above to see that your level for these is optimal.
your total cholesterol level is higher than what is considered optimal. You may like to discuss this with your General Practitioner and also assess the level of the individual components, LDL and HDL.
please enter your total cholesterol level.

Triglycerides
your level of triglycerides falls within the optimal range. No specific intervention is required, just maintain a healthy lifestyle.
your triglyceride level is higher than what is considered optimal. You may like to discuss these results with your General Practitioner.
please enter your triglyceride level.
Reference
National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002; 106: 31433421.

This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous.


LDL cholesterol lowering

LDL cholesterol loweringLDL cholesterol is called 'bad' because it is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis – the sticky plaques that can form inside blood vessels and contribute to problems like stroke. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood can have a number of positive effects for your health.
For more information, see LDL Cholesterol Lowering.  


Nutrition for lowering cholesterol levels   

Nutrition for lowering cholesterolBoth dietary changes and drugs are used in the management of cholesterol levels. In most cases, the dietary approach is the first option, since dietary habits have a great influence on the cholesterol levels of an individual. The guiding principle is to strive for low bad cholesterol and high good cholesterol.
For more information, see Nutrition for Lowering Cholesterol Levels.


Video: Dietary changes for a healthier lifestyle 

Dietary changes for a healthier lifestyle videoMost heart disease is preventable, and even if you already have heart disease, you can stop or potentially reverse heart disease. Dietitian Trent Watson discusses the changes you can make to your diet to have a healthier lifestyle, and why these changes work.

Watch the video Dietary Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle.
 


Fat lady

LDL Cholesterol Levels to Aim for Tool

This risk assessment tool is based on data from the National Cholesterol Education Program and the findings of the Adult Treatment Panel III, to estimate LDL cholesterol levels to aim for.

Predictors

Age years
  Male Female
Gender
Do you have any of the following? Yes No
Coronary heart disease
Carotid artery disease (symptomatic)
Peripheral arterial disease
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Diabetes
 
Do you have a family history of premature coronary heart disease (males <55yrs; female <65yrs) in a first degree relative?
 
Are you a smoker?*
 
Is your blood pressure > 140 / 90 or are you prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure?**
 
What is your HDL cholesterol*** mmol/L OR mg/dl
 
Total cholesterol**** mmol/L OR mg/dl
 

Results

Category 1

LDL goal: <2.56 mmol/L (100 mg/dL)
If your LDL level is greater than this you should consult you local health professional who can give you advice on lifestyle changes and/or medications that may be beneficial.

Category 2a

LDL goal: <3.33 mmol/L (130 mg/dL)
If your LDL level is greater than this you should consult you local health professional who can give you advice on lifestyle changes and/or medications that may be beneficial.

Category 2b

LDL goal: <3.33 mmol/L (130 mg/dL)
If your LDL level is greater than this you should consult you local health professional who can give you advice on lifestyle changes and/or medications that may be beneficial.

Category 3

LDL goal: <4.10 mmol/L (160 mg/dL)
If your LDL level is greater than this you should consult you local health professional who can give you advice on lifestyle changes and/or medications that may be beneficial.
*For these purposes smoker means any cigarette smoking in the past month.
**Use current blood pressure, regardless of whether the person is on antihypertensive therapy.
***HDL cholesterol values should be the average of at least two measurements obtained from lipoprotein analysis. HDL cholesterol > 60 mg/dL counts as a negative risk factor; its presence removes one risk factor from the total count.
****Total cholesterol values should be the average of at least two measurements obtained from lipoprotein analysis.
Reference:
  1. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002; 106: 31433421.

This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous.


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