September is National Cholesterol Education Month

Over 65 million Americans have high cholesterol levels? High blood cholesterol increases the risk of Heart Disease, the #1 cause of death in America. To help people lower their risk of heart disease, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has designated September as National Cholesterol Education Month. Our goal at the VA in New Orleans is to prevent Heart Disease and Stroke by helping our veterans achieve the goals that are recommended for control of Cholesterol.

Our motto:“I Gotta Know!”
I GOTTA Know ALL About Cholesterol
I GOTTA Know My Cholesterol Number
I GOTTA Know My Risk
I GOTTA Know What I Can Do About It
I GOTTA Know Who to Ask for Help
I GOTTA Where to Look for Information

To prevent heart disease, it is important to learn what cholesterol is and its role in heart disease. The term "hyperlipidemia" refers to elevated levels of lipids (fats), including cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced in our bodies and found in animal products (meats, dairy products, and animal fats). Cholesterol is a useful and necessary substance because it composes cell walls and is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids in the body. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can build up on the walls of arteries to form dangerous plaques.

Plaque narrows artery walls and makes them inflexible, causing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If coronary arteries are blocked by plaque, blood flow to the heart is restricted, causing angina (chest pain). Blood flow to other major organs is restricted causing damage to these organs. Plaque is unstable, can break off from an artery, and cause a blood clot to form. A blood clot which blocks an artery will restrict blood flow to the heart or brain. This results in a heart attack or stroke.



The "cholesterol numbers" you should know are:

Total Cholesterol      LDL Cholesterol     HDL Cholesterol              Triglycerides

Total cholesterol is made up of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). A desirable total cholesterol number is less than 200mg/dL.

LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, can build up on artery walls. A desirable LDL cholesterol number is less than 100mg/dL.

HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, takes cholesterol into the liver, where it is removed from the body. A desirable HDL cholesterol number is greater than 60mg/dL.

Triglycerides are a common type of fat in your body. They are also a major energy source. They not only come from food, but your body also makes them. The body stores triglycerides when we eat too much at one time to use over the next few hours. As people gain weight, triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high fasting triglyceride levels. A desirable triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dl.

It is important to know your numbers because you are the captain of the team that keeps you healthy.



There are several factors that increase the risk of heart disease.  Risk factors that cannot be changed:

HEREDITY            AGE           GENDER

Fortunately, other Risk factors CAN be changed. Some examples are:
High fat diet
Obesity
Physical inactivity      
Smoking
Blood Sugar
Lipid levels

Talk to your VA health care team to learn more!



Decrease your cholesterol numbers and Decrease your risk of heart disease:

Develop a healthier overall pattern of eating:

Eat less saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol

Eat more soluble fiber

Engage in regular cardiovascular physical activity

LOSE excess weight, and QUIT smoking

Make sure you know the medications your health care provider has prescribed. Take your medications as prescribed and get to know your Dietitians at the VA. Make followup appointments so you can discuss the effectiveness of treatment.



To find out more about cholesterol and how to lower your risk of heart disease: Talk to your Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Nurse. Request a blood test if you have not had one recently. Consult a Registered Dietitian. Your provider can refer you to our VA Dietitians. Attend scheduled group discussions, classes or activities at the VA or in your community.



Literature regarding Cholesterol and your health is available at the VA from your own providers, especially Primary Care, Diabetes Risk Reduction Clinic, Diabetes Group clinic, Lipid group clinic, Endocrinology clinic, Hypertension clinic, Cardiology clinic, and Pharmacy. Ask your nurse for assistance!
Everyone is happy to assist!