Cholesterol is a fat the body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, if there are too many, it can build up in the walls of blood vessels, causing narrowing and even blockage. This condition increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Therefore, regular cholesterol checks are very important to maintain heart health from an early age.
What is the Normal Cholesterol Level?
The following is a range of cholesterol values that are considered normal:
- Total cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
- LDL (bad) cholesterol: < 100 mg/dL
- HDL (good) cholesterol: ≥ 40 mg/dL (men) or ≥ 50 mg/dL (women)
- Triglycerides: < 150 mg/dL
If your test results show high cholesterol, don't panic — because with the right steps, cholesterol levels can be controlled.
Steps to Take If You Have High Cholesterol
1. Consult a Doctor
Discuss the test results with an internist or clinical pathologist. The doctor will assess risk factors such as family history, diet, weight, and exercise habits before making recommendations.
2. Improve your diet
Change your eating habits to be healthier with these simple steps:
- Reduce foods high in saturated fat such as fried foods, fatty red meat, and fast food.
- Avoid trans fats (usually found in margarine and processed foods).
- Increase your consumption of vegetables, fruit, grains, fish, and good sources of fat such as avocado and olive oil.
3. Regular exercise
Physical activity helps increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Do at least 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, at least five times a week.
4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking can lower HDL levels and damage blood vessels. Excessive alcohol also increases triglycerides—a dangerous combination for the heart.
5. Conduct Routine Monitoring
Regular laboratory tests are important to monitor the development of cholesterol levels and the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or drug therapy prescribed by the doctor.
The Importance of Seeing a Doctor
High cholesterol often presents without symptoms, but the risks are serious if ignored. With regular laboratory tests, a healthy lifestyle, and medical guidance, cholesterol levels can be effectively controlled.
Small steps like improving your diet and getting active today will be a big investment in your future heart health.
It is important to see a doctor immediately because only a medical examination can determine your risk level and determine whether you need lifestyle changes or drug therapy.
Early treatment can prevent blood vessel blockages that can potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes without warning. Don't wait for symptoms to appear, as high cholesterol often doesn't give any warning signs.
The article was written by Dr. Johana Prihatini, Sp.PD, FINASIM (Internist Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).