|
|
|
|
What Factors Influence My Blood Cholesterol Level?
Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol play a major role in the high levels of blood cholesterol found in millions of Americans. Saturated fat is the key dietary factor raising blood cholesterol levels. In contrast, dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect on blood cholesterol levels. Obesity, primarily due to an intake of calories that exceeds the needs of the body, can also lead to high cholesterol values.
In some people, inherited tendencies affect blood cholesterol levels. When adults try to lower their blood cholesterol by dietary changes, the size of the reduction will be influenced, in some people, by whether or not they are high or low responders, that is whether their body tends to make big or small changes in blood cholesterol levels in response to dietary changes. This response rate is somewhat genetically determined. Only about 1 in every 500 adults has an inherited tendency to have very high blood cholesterol levels. However, even among these persons, dietary changes can do much to bring the high levels down. Most people can lower their blood cholesterol levels by following a diet that is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Age and sex also influences blood cholesterol levels. In the United States, blood cholesterol levels in men and women start to rise at about age 20. The average blood cholesterol levels in women prior to menopause (45-60 years) are lower than those of men of the same age. After menopause, however, the average cholesterol level of women usually increases to a level higher than that of men. In men, blood cholesterol levels off around age 50 and the average blood cholesterol level declines slightly after age 50. Use of oral contraceptives can increase blood cholesterol levels in some women, as can pregnancy. However, blood cholesterol should return to normal 20 weeks after childbirth.
CHOLESTEROL CONTROL PROGRAM
CIGNA HEALTHPLAN OF AZ, INC.