September is National Cholesterol Education Month Published Sept. 5, 2007 By 14th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- The 14th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center would like to remind you that September is National Cholesterol Education Month. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease; "the higher cholesterol gets, the higher the risk" says Master Sgt. Gilbert Shrieves, 14th Medical Operations Squadron. When there is too much cholesterol in blood, it builds up over time and causes the arteries to be narrowed or even blocked. When an artery that carries blood to the heart becomes significantly blocked or narrowed, oxygen cannot reach your heart. If the blood supply is completely cut off by a blockage, the result is a heart attack. What do cholesterol numbers mean? Total cholesterol is broken down into three main sub-components. A lipid profile test is the best test to find out cholesterol numbers. LDL, or bad cholesterol, is the main source of buildup and blockage in the arteries. HDL, or good cholesterol, keeps the cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Triglycerides are another form of fat found in blood High cholesterol does not cause symptoms so the only way to know cholesterol level is to be tested. Call 434-CARE to schedule an appointment with a Primary Care Provider to discuss heart disease risks or to request a lipid profile test. More information on cholesterol and heart disease can be found on the National Institute of Health website at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm. If a patient has high cholesterol, "Our cholesterol education class can assist them with identifying where cholesterol comes from, teach them how to lower cholesterol levels and how to read labels, also it can help them begin an appropriate exercise program" says Sergeant Shrieves. The major risk factors for heart disease are cigerette smoking, high blood pressue, and low LDL cholesterol.If there is a family history of heart disease, there is a higher risk of someone getting it. Women older then 55 years of age and men 45 years of age and older are also at a higher risk to have a heart disease. For more information or to enroll in the cholesterol education class, or eat healthy; contact the HAWC at 434-2477.
