We l l n e s s
THE BASICS OF CHOLESTEROL
WHAT IS THE
difference between your HDL and your
LDL? If you don’t know, read on. It is important to discuss
basic topics pertaining to cholesterol.
“Controlling your cholesterol is one of the best things
you can do to help prevent a heart attack or stroke,” says
Joseph Lee, MD, cardiologist at the comprehensive Heart
& Vascular Institute at Glendale Adventist Medical Cen-
ter (GAMC).
Atherosclerosis.
This is the most common form of ar-
teriosclerosis, a general term for thickening or hardening
of the arteries. Plaque—made up of cholesterol and other
substances—can build up in the inner lining of an artery,
damaging the artery and impeding the flow of blood and
its oxygen to your heart, brain and other organs. Plaque
can rupture and cause blood clots, resulting in a heart
attack or stroke.
Cholesterol.
This is a fatty material that travels through
the blood in particles called lipoproteins—fat wrapped
in protein.
“The body needs some cholesterol, and the liver pro-
duces what it needs naturally. However, excessive amounts
in our blood from the foods we eat, namely those high
in saturated fat, trans fat or dietary cholesterol, can be
harmful,” says Dr. Lee.
Your cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per
deciliter of blood, or mg/dL.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL).
This specific type of
cholesterol is considered to be the good kind because it
can act as a cleanser, sweeping excess cholesterol out of
arteries.
“A high HDL number of 0 mg/dL and above is consid-
ered protective against heart disease,” continues Dr. Lee. “A
low HDL level—less than 0 mg/dL in men and less than
0 mg/dL in women—is a risk factor for heart disease.”
Obesity, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can all
contribute to having low HDL, so lifestyle changes can
often help raise it.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
LDL is known as the
bad cholesterol because it is the driving force behind
atherosclerosis—a leading cause of heart attack or stroke.
“It’s best to have an LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL to
prevent such cases,” says Dr. Lee. “Making dietary changes,
getting regular exercise and controlling your weight can
help lower LDL cholesterol.” If those lifestyle changes aren’t
enough, your doctor may recommend that you
take a cholesterol-lowering medication.
To learnmore about the GAMCHeart &Vascu-
lar Institute, visit
GlendaleAdventist.com/Heart
.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
HEPATITIS B
VACCINE
HELPS
PROTECT
PEOPLE WITH
DIABETES
IF YOU HAVE
diabetes, you should take a shot at pro-
tecting your health by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
The vaccine is strongly recommended for anyone
between the ages of 19 and 9 who has either type 1 or
diabetes and has not been vaccinated against hepatitis B,
according to government officials. The vaccine is safe and
is given as a series of shots. It should be given as soon as
possible after a diabetes diagnosis.
Studies show that people under the age of 0 with dia-
betes are twice as likely to be infected with hepatitis B in
comparison to those without the disease.
Hepatitis B is a serious infection caused by a virus
that affects the liver. A lingering infection can damage
the liver or cause cancer. Every year hepatitis B kills as
many as ,000 people nationwide.
The Diabetes Care Center draws upon Glendale Ad-
ventist Medical Center’s expertise in medical treatment
and lifestyle changes to give patients the education and
support they need to control their diabetes and live a
healthy lifestyle. To learn more about the center, call
( )
-
.
CHECK WITH A DOCTOR
If you are older than
0 and have diabetes, ask your doctor if you
should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. For a
referral to a GAMC physician who can help you
with your diabetes concerns, call
( )
-
.
Source: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Controlling your cholesterol is
one of the best things you can do to
help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes numbers to know
How would you know if you had diabetes or might be
headed that way?
You can’t count on symptoms—prediabetes and diabe-
tes usually have none at first. But a blood test can reveal
whether your glucose level is normal or high.
These tests may be used to measure blood glucose in
either milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or percentages.
See how your numbers compare.
Fasting
plasma
glucose test
(mg/dL)
Oral glucose
tolerance
test (mg/dL)
A1C test
(percent)
Normal
99 or below 139 or
below
about 5
Prediabetes 100 to 125 140 to 199 5.7 to 6.4
Diabetes
126 or
above
200 or
above
6.5 or
above
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
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