OpenHealth Q&A

Your cholesterol results indicate that while your overall cholesterol is elevated, there are some positive aspects as well. Here's a breakdown of your readings and their significance:

1. Total Cholesterol (245 mg/dL): This is considered borderline high, as levels above 240 mg/dL are viewed as high.
2. LDL (Bad Cholesterol) (164 mg/dL): This level is above the optimal range (which is under 100 mg/dL). High LDL increases the risk of heart disease.
3. HDL (Good Cholesterol) (66 mg/dL): This is favorable since higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease (60 mg/dL and above is considered optimal).
4. Triglycerides (75 mg/dL): This is within a healthy range (under 150 mg/dL).
5. Family History: A family history of elevated cholesterol suggests that genetics may play a role in your levels, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing your cholesterol.

Next Steps:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: To help manage your cholesterol levels, focus on the following:

   • Healthy Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet that includes:
     • Plenty of fruits and vegetables.
     • Whole grains (like oats and brown rice).
     • Lean proteins (such as fish, skinless poultry, and legumes).
     • Healthy fats (from sources like nuts, avocados, and olive oil).
     • Limiting saturated fats (found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy) and eliminating trans fats (found in many processed foods).
   • Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (like brisk walking) and include muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
   • Weight Management: Since you have a healthy BMI, maintaining your weight can aid in keeping your cholesterol levels in check.

2. Regular Monitoring: Since you have a family history of elevated cholesterol, work on monitoring your levels regularly. Following your current results, an annual check-up may be a good plan unless your healthcare provider suggests otherwise.

3. Consider Seeking Guidance: If your lifestyle changes do not lead to improvements in your cholesterol levels, or if you have concerns about your family history, discuss with a healthcare professional about additional options. This might involve a more personalized approach, potentially including medication.

By taking these steps, you can actively work towards maintaining your heart health while addressing the insights you've gained from your cholesterol profile. If you have further questions or wish to discuss any specific aspect in more detail, feel free to ask!