What cholesterol levels are normal?
* Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (sometimes known as “bad cholesterol) tend to be the focus of discussion when blood tests are done. * Normal total cholesterol is less than 5mmol/L * Normal LDL is less then 3mmol/L, but basically, the lower the better. * However, in people who have other risk factors (for …
What lifestyle changes are recommended if you have high cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes are aimed at reducing all risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, and include the following: * Quit smoking. Smoking allows LDL cholesterol to enter blood vessel walls more easily and cause damage. * Healthy eating * Increase exercise. Regular exercise appears to increase HDL lev…
When should you start treatment for high cholesterol?
* The decision to start a medication depends on a person’s overall risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease)- it’s different for different people. * A cardiovascular risk calculator can be used to figure out your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, based on your cholestero…
When should you start having your cholesterol levels checked?
Australian guidelines state that it’s advisable to have a blood test to check your lipid (cholesterol) profile every 5 years, from the age of 45. Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples should be tested every 5 years from the age of 35, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. How often you get …
