The Truth About Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk

Cholesterol gets a bad reputation, but the full picture is more nuanced. Your body needs cholesterol to function — it's essential for cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D synthesis. The problem isn't cholesterol itself; it's the balance between different types and the overall cardiovascular risk context.

**Understanding your lipid panel:** - **LDL ("bad" cholesterol):** Deposits in artery walls. Elevated LDL is the primary target of treatment. Optimal: below 100 mg/dL (below 70 for high-risk patients). - **HDL ("good" cholesterol):** Helps remove LDL from arteries. Higher is better. Above 60 is protective. - **Triglycerides:** Elevated with poor diet, obesity, diabetes. Optimal: below 150 mg/dL. - **Total cholesterol:** Less useful on its own — always look at the full panel. **What actually raises cardiovascular risk:** - High LDL + low HDL + high triglycerides - Smoking - Hypertension - Diabetes - Family history of early heart disease - Age (men 45+, women 55+) **What you can do:** - Mediterranean or DASH diet - Regular aerobic exercise - Weight management - Statins when lifestyle isn't enough — they're safe and very effective