The Answered Patient: High Cholesterol Part 2

High cholesterol is a widespread health problem in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates that about 40 million Americans have total cholesterol levels that put them at risk of heart disease and stroke.

In this episode of "Say Ahh!" we'll tell you what high cholesterol really means, as well as the best ways to treat it, including:

• Eating smart
• Cooking healthy
• Using cholesterol-lowering medications

The first step toward a cholesterol-friendly diet is to know which foods can raise your cholesterol, and then monitor their intake. Cholesterol in the food you eat comes from three main sources:

• Saturated fats
• Trans fats
• Animal cholesterol

Saturated fats are found mainly in food that comes from animals, such as whole milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, and red meat. Saturated fats raise levels of LDL, or "bad cholesterol," more than anything else in the diet.

Trans fats come from food that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. They also significantly increase LDL levels. Foods with trans fats include margarine, vegetable shortening, commercial baked goods, and many fast foods.

Animal cholesterol is cholesterol that is produced in the bodies of animals and then absorbed by our bodies when we consume animal products.

Eating a healthy diet that's low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep cholesterol levels in check. So can regular exercise.

For some people, however, diet and exercise aren't enough, and a doctor might prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications to treat the condition. Statins are the most effective class of cholesterol drug and the most popular -- almost 150 million prescriptions are written in the United States every year.

But doctors stress that anyone who takes a cholesterol-lowering drug should also make sure they do their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For more information, click the links below:

• Cholesterol-lowering Medicines
• Cholesterol: What Your Level Means
• Heart Disease: Assessing Your Risk

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