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Dietary Fats Cholesterol is found in almost all animal fats but not in vegetable fats. However, the human body can produce cho- lesterol from various types of vegetable fats in the diet, so vegetable fats also can affect cho- lesterol levels.


54 MILITARY OFFICER DECEMBER 2016 Cholesterol


Cholesterol is part of the cell membrane and helps give cells their structure, among other roles. But high cholesterol levels can be problematic. By Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O.


Newborns and infants need large amounts of cholesterol in their diets because it is a building block for their growing brains. However, high blood cho- lesterol levels in adults can lead to plaques in arteries and are a risk factor for heart at- tacks, strokes, and other cardiac diseases. Lifetime monitoring is important be- cause high cholesterol is asymptomatic until it leads to overt heart disease. Current guidelines recommend checking cholesterol levels at least once in childhood (between ages 9 11) and again between ages 17 21.


ages 9-11) and again between ages 17-21. From then on, testing every fi ve years is rec- ommended, unless signifi cant risk factors indicate more frequent testing. A lipid panel (cholesterol testing) typically includes low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, tri-


glycerides, and total cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cho-


lesterol,” can form plaques in arteries and contribute to heart attacks and strokes. For adults LDL ideally is under 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter); over 160 is con- sidered high. About a third of adults have


high LDL levels. HDL cholesterol is “good cholesterol,” and for adults levels of at least 40 to 60 mg/dL are preferable; the higher the bet- ter. HDL cholesterol can reduce LDL levels by linking with LDL cholesterol and carrying it to the liver, where it is broken


down and leaves the body. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in our body. Triglycerides are


in our diet, and our body also can make


them. Levels below 150 mg/dL are best. Total cholesterol incorporates LDL


cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyc- erides. Ideally, for adults, total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL; above 240 mg/dL is considered high. If your cholesterol levels are worrisome,


your health care provider will evaluate your test results in the context of your medical history, total lifestyle, and other risk factors to determine your risk for a heart attack and other related heart diseases. Lifestyle risk factors you can control include diet, weight, exercise, nicotine use, and alcohol consumption. Risk factors you can’t control include your heredity and family history of heart disease, your age, and your gender. High blood pressure and diabetes also are risk factors for heart disease. For some, lifestyle changes might be all that is needed to control cholesterol levels. For others, medication management also will be needed. Several classes of medica- tions lower cholesterol levels: the “statin” drugs, bile acid sequestrants, niacin or nicotinic acid, and fi brates. Your health care provider will decide which medica- tion, or combination of medications, is best for you based on your health history and medication eff ects.


MO — Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS


(Ret), D.O., M.A., is a health care consultant in Chevy Chase, Md. Find more health and wellness resources at www.moaa.org/wellness. For sub- mission information, see page 4.


PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT


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