Over 40? Here’s what you need to know about cholesterol
Murray Bridge Medical Centre’s Dr Hayan Naser explains what it is, what it does and how to preserve your health over the long term.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Medical Centre, and includes contributions by Wendy Ziersch.
If you’re over the age of 40, it’s time you started learning about cholesterol: what it is, what it does and how to protect your long-term health.
Murray Bridge Medical Centre’s Dr Hayan Naser has taken the time to speak with Murray Bridge News about this important aspect of health.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat which helps our bodies build and repair cells, and produce hormones.
You might have heard it described as being bad for us, but we need some of it, Dr Naser says.
It is made in the liver, and we can also consume it in some of the food we eat – things like desserts, butter and fatty meat.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, the “good” kind which is circulated around your body and returns to the liver, and HDL cholesterol, the “bad” kind which can accumulate in our blood vessels.
What is so bad about ‘bad’ cholesterol?
The problem with “bad” cholesterol is that it can cause very serious health problems, like heart attacks and strokes.
“It can accumulate or build up inside our arteries, and in time that leads to narrowing and blocking arteries,” Dr Naser says.
Worst of all, we may not notice any change until the build-up reaches a serious level.
“It’s nothing like an infection, where you feel bad,” he says.
“We feel nothing … until such a time as the blockage becomes enough to cause a problem: chest pain or a heart attack, or moves to the brain and maybe causes a stroke.”
Who is most at risk of high cholesterol?
Generally speaking, Dr Naser says, it’s a good idea to start having your cholesterol levels checked with a blood test after the age of 40, or earlier if you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
Women’s cholesterol levels typically remain lower for longer than men – sometimes to around the age of 50 – but it pays to be vigilant.
Aside from age, other risk factors include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure and obesity.
If your GP is concerned about your cholesterol levels, they may recommend getting a check every couple of years, or more often.
How can I keep my cholesterol levels down?
The good news is that even patients who already have elevated cholesterol levels can benefit from simple interventions early on, Dr Naser says.
“We try first conservative lifestyle changes, like walking every day for 30 minutes to move cholesterol around the body and back to the liver,” he says.
“We can also try a low-cholesterol diet, with more plants, more veggies, lean meat and fish; and try to avoid polyunsaturated fats in desserts, ghee and some animal skins.
“Exercise will help as well.”
If medical treatment is needed, your doctor may recommend taking a statin, a common medicine.
“We start at a low dose and go slow based on the result of checks,” Dr Naser says.
“In most cases, a statin is safe and has no significant side effects.
“Some experience muscle, jaw or bone pain, but if it’s not really bad, and it’s doing the job, we’ll usually keep going.”
Other treatment options are also available through a referral to a specialist, including regular and long-term injections.
What should I do about cholesterol?
If you’re reading this story and feel that getting your cholesterol levels checked would be a good idea, make an appointment with your GP.
- Make an appointment: Visit Murray Bridge Medical Centre at 35-37 Adelaide Road between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au.
- More information: Visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/cholesterol or www.heartfoundation.org.au.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
