Heart disease is the number one cause of death in individuals who are 65 years or older. It’s a harsh statistic to read but hopefully the weight of it will move you to do something about it, because heart disease is 100% preventable. The term is an umbrella term that includes serious conditions from coronary artery disease to congestive heart failure. Most of which is a direct result from having too much bad cholesterol in your body. That’s why, this September, you should pay homage to one of the most important awareness issues this month, and celebrate National Cholesterol Education Month.

Cholesterol is an interesting substance. It’s actually important to our bodies. Most people just think of it as this sticky substance that clogs up our arteries because we’ve eaten one too many cheeseburgers or cheesesteaks back in our day. And although this isn’t entirely wrong, it’s not entirely right either. Our bodies actually make cholesterol in order to produce certain hormones, Vitamin D, and even aid in digestion. However, our bodies make exactly what we need. Therefore, the added cholesterol that we take in from the foods we eat will increase the levels of it in our blood.

Two Types of Cholesterol

• High-density lipoproteins (HDL)
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

The Good
HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Experts believe HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body. By maintaining a healthy level of HDL cholesterol, you should be able to protect yourself against the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, if you have low levels of HDL cholesterol, your levels of bad cholesterol will not be as controlled, ultimately increasing your chances for heart attacks or strokes.

The Bad
LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to plaque. That’s the thick, waxy deposit that everyone thinks of when they hear “cholesterol.” It clogs arteries and make them less flexible. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. Therefore, it’s important to increase the amount of “good” cholesterol and reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol.

The Healthy
A healthy combination of both types can keep your heart quite healthy. They work together and both serve major purposes within your cardiovascular system. However, your diet is not the only thing you should be worried about when it comes to your heart health. Exercise is just as important. It helps circulate your blood better in order to reduce your chances of clots or clogs, as well at keeping the heart strong, so it can continue to beat to move that blood around. Another important thing to remember is to get your cholesterol constantly checked. Even with a perfect diet and the right amount of exercise, you may be predisposed to high cholesterol due to bad genes. It’s not your fault, but if the doctor knows this, he or she should be able to prescribe you medicine to keep it low. Your heart is one of (if not) the most important organ in your body. Keep it healthy this September by arming yourself with knowledge to do so!