Q: Does menopause affect cholesterol levels?
A: Yes. Before menopause, women usually have total cholesterol levels that are lower than those of men the same age do. As women and men get older, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age. In women, menopause often causes an increase in their LDL-cholesterol and a decrease in their HDL-cholesterol level, and after the age of 50, women often have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
Q: At what age should I start having my cholesterol checked?
A: That depends. Experts recommend that all adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years.
Q: What are statins?
A: Statins are a class of drug that lowers cholesterol. Lipitor is the most widely prescribed statin in the United States and around the world.
Q: What is considered an appropriate cholesterol level?
A: According to the most recent guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), a desirable total cholesterol level is one that is below 200. Total cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 are considered borderline high, and levels above 240 are considered high.
Q: How is my cholesterol measured?
A: Your blood cholesterol level is measured as milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), 240mg/dL, 200mg/dL, etc.
Q: Why is high cholesterol a health risk?
A: A healthy artery has a smooth, even surface. When too much cholesterol builds up in the wall of your arteries thick deposits, called plaque, form. The buildup of plaque narrows the artery, so your heart must work harder to force blood through. Plaques can limit or block the blood flow in the artery. They can also rupture and form blood clots. When either happens in a major artery supplying the heart or brain, the blood flow can be completely blocked. The result can be a heart attack or stroke.
Q: How common is high cholesterol?
A: One in five people has high cholesterol.3 In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high, and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high.
Q: How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
A: Based on the results and your overall risk for heart disease, your cholesterol should be checked every 1 to 5 years. Most likely, your doctor will work with you on a schedule to monitor your cholesterol level.
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