Overview: Confused about the good vs. bad about cholesterol? Get a headstart on reaching healthy cholesterol levels by understanding some common myths about cholesterol.
You’ve probably heard high cholesterol can contribute to heart disease and stroke. But do you know what cholesterol level to aim for, and that all cholesterol isn’t the same?
To understand how to achieve good cholesterol levels, here are some common myths that can lead you astray.
First, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your cells and made by your liver. It’s needed to make hormones, Vitamin D and substances that help you digest foods. It’s harmful, however, if you have too much in your bloodstream.
Myth 1: All cholesterol is bad for you.
Fact: Not all cholesterol is bad. Your body needs some cholesterol for essential functions. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. These two types of lipoproteins act as transport trucks, taking cholesterol where it’s needed: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- LDL: Sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in your arteries, leading to plaque build-up and raising your risk of heart disease or stroke.
The ideal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL.
- HDL: Sometimes called “good” cholesterol, HDL does the opposite. It removes excess cholesterol from your arteries and back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body.
Aim for an HDL of 40 or more for men and 50 or more for women.
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Myth 2: Thin people with healthy lifestyles never need cholesterol medication.
Fact: Many people can keep healthy cholesterol levels with diet, exercise and not using tobacco products. However, even thin people may need medicines called statins to help lower their cholesterol levels.
If you have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), healthy habits and a thin physique likely won’t be enough. People with FH have a gene mutation that interferes with their liver’s ability to clean excess cholesterol out of the body. Taking medication and frequent cholesterol checks can help people with FH support good heart health. You also may be prescribed a statin if you have cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes.
Whether you need medication or not, keep working toward a healthy diet and more physical activity. These habits don’t just help lower cholesterol; they also help prevent other serious conditions like cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
Myth 3: Triglycerides and cholesterol are not related.
Fact: Together, your triglyceride and cholesterol levels make up your total cholesterol level and give you a picture of your overall risk of heart disease and stroke. Both are fatty substances that circulate in your blood. Cholesterol helps make hormones and cells. Triglycerides give you energy.
Triglycerides don’t build up on your blood vessel walls like LDL cholesterol. Instead, high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can also raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Research shows that high triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease regardless of your HDL level.
The normal triglyceride level is less than 150.
Myth 4: Sugar doesn’t affect your cholesterol.
Fact: Consuming a high-sugar diet can significantly raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your body can take the sugar you consume and turn it into fat, which becomes LDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Even vegetarians and vegans could have unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels if they eat a lot of sugar or processed foods.
High-sugar drinks like soda, juice and sports drinks are common sources of excess sugar in the diet.
Myth 5: Eating foods with a lot of cholesterol won’t make my cholesterol levels go up.
Fact: Foods with saturated fats can make your cholesterol numbers higher. Foods made from animals, including red meat, butter and cheese, have a lot of saturated fats. Instead, choose foods with plenty of fiber, such as oatmeal and beans, and healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocadoes, olive oil and nuts.
The first step: Get a cholesterol check.
Do you know your cholesterol levels? Because high cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, you may not know if your cholesterol levels are high unless you get your cholesterol checked. Your primary care provider can order a blood test called a lipid profile, which measures cholesterol and triglycerides.
Total cholesterol is based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers combined. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200.
Talk with your provider about how often you need a lipid panel based on your family history, age and personal risk factors for heart disease.
Will you need cholesterol-lowering medication? Statins are a well-studied, safe, and effective medication for high cholesterol, but they’re not the only option. Your provider can help you decide whether you need medication — and which one you need -- and guide you on other lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol.
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This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.
