If you were recently shocked to learn that your cholesterol levels are high, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, almost 94 million American adults have elevated cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, 7% of our children have it, too.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms and increases your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death. Therefore, it’s important to understand what your numbers mean. This guide explains what your cholesterol levels mean and how to keep them within a healthy range.
Unhealthy cholesterol levels may refer to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the “bad” or unhealthy kind of cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, forming fatty, waxy deposits called plaques, thereafter clogging and making them hard and less flexible.
Over time, this build-up can cause the hardening and narrowing of arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis, which results in blood flow to the organ being supplied by that artery being reduced or blocked. Meaning, the heart works harder to push blood through these stiff arteries.
Plaque buildup in coronary arteries can disrupt the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. If there is insufficient blood and oxygen to the heart, one may experience chest pain called angina, which is a temporary disruption of blood flow.
It is, however, a warning sign of a heart attack risk. A piece of plaque may eventually break off and fully block the blood flow to the heart. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, a heart attack may occur. If this process occurs in the arteries going to or within the brain, it can result in a stroke.
Plaque can also block off the flow of blood to arteries that supply blood to your lungs, intestinal tract, and lower limbs and feet. This results in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
As noted above, LDL cholesterol refers to the “bad” kind. Meanwhile, HDL or high-density lipoprotein is considered “good.” To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor will conduct a blood test called a lipoprotein panel.
In addition to checking your HDL and LDL, this test will tell you what your total cholesterol, non-HDL, and triglyceride levels are. Here’s what those terms mean:
Cholesterol levels are measured in units called milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here are the healthy ranges for adult men and women age 20 and up:
Here are the health measurements for children aged 19 and under:
​Your cholesterol levels can be influenced by many things, including diet, physical activity, weight, and whether or not you are a smoker. Other factors that may come into play are age, gender, race, and genetics.
Research shows that cholesterol levels increase as you age. Women’s LDL levels tend to go up after menopause. Additionally, high cholesterol may run in the family and certain races – such as African Americans – tend to have higher LDL and HDL levels.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), high cholesterol is due to the dysfunction of organs. This could result from factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and an inappropriate diet.
According to registered TCM Physician Jolene Chong, “Good health typically depends on a good flow of blood and qi, along with a well-maintained yin-and-yang balance. Disharmony in this flow and balance can result in poor health. ”
Physician Chong stated that TCM categorizes a patient’s high cholesterol situation into different syndromes after understanding symptoms exhibited by one’s body, coupled with clinical signs observed through the tongue and pulse – namely:
Through analysis of these signs and symptoms, a TCM practitioner diagnoses the underlying pattern(s) of disharmony. After establishing one’s body constitution, treatment plans are customized according to the individual’s condition. Herbs are then chosen to make up the medicinal formula accordingly.
Physician Chong continued, “Chinese herbs are classified according to their functions and effects on the body (i.e., in turn, determined by the properties, nature, and characteristics of the herbs). There are several groups of herbs that address or resolve Dampness, Phlegm, Qi-Stagnation, and Blood Stasis. Other treatment methods, such as acupuncture, cupping, scrapping, and moxibustion can be considered to suit your treatment plan.”
Several Chinese herbs have been shown to have positive effects on lowering cholesterol. The list is extensive and includes the following:
Some herbs also clear toxins within the body. The blood vessels, too, are detoxed, which helps prevent and treat cardiovascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular illnesses, including stroke.
Others lower blood pressure, improve bowel movements, and build a stronger digestive system. This reduces lipid absorption in the intestines and aids in weight management while tackling high cholesterol.
Acupressure
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Performing acupoint self-massage regularly on the following areas may help:
TCM congees are nourishing and easy-to-digest recipes featuring rice porridge. Here are some recipes Physician Chong recommends:
Here’s what you’ll need:
Keep in mind that you should never self-medicate. Always consult your doctor or a registered TCM physician before trying any of the remedies listed above. For patients who are consuming Western medications or other supplements, such as a statin, be sure to consult a doctor before combining treatments.
