GENERAL COHORT FOUND TEXT |
Everyone should have a blood test for elevated cholesterol or blood fats
Lipids are needed by the body to promote healthy cells, make certain
hormones, and absorb Vitamin D. They are naturally made by the body and
also come from food. Abnormal lipid levels increase the risk for heart
disease, heart attack, or stroke because of their effect on blood
vessels. Patients with diabetes should aim to keep their lipid levels
within the recommended ranges. How often the blood test for lipids needs
to be done depends on what the levels have been. What your lipid levels
should be depends on your risk for heart disease. Talk with your primary
care team about your blood lipid levels.
at some time. This test measures the level of four types of lipids: total
The four kinds of lipids are: \\
Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol. The
level should be less than 120 mg/dl in patients with heart disease or
diabetes. LDL at high levels can narrow, harden, or close off the walls
of blood vessels that supply vital parts of the body such as the heart
causing a heart attack or the brain causing a stroke. \\ High Density
Lipoprotein or HDL, also known as "good" cholesterol. The higher the
number the better. HDL prevents the build-up of lipids on the walls of
blood vessels. \\ Triglycerides. High levels increase the risk of heart
disease and stroke.\\ Total cholesterol. High levels increase the risk
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. \\
of heart disease and stroke.\\ \\There are things you can do to keep or
bring lipid levels to a desired range.\\ Work with your provider to
make a plan that will work for you.\\ Work with your provider and
dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan.\\ Eat less food high in
saturated fat or cholesterol, such as fatty portions of meat, butter,
eggs, lard, shortening, foods with coconut oil or palm oil, liver, organ
meats, whole milk, and ice cream. \\ Choose lean meats, fish, and low
or fat-free dairy products.\\ Use olive, canola, corn, or sunflower
oil.\\ Eat foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and oat
bran.\\ Keep your weight at desired levels or lose weight if you need
to.\\ Engage in a physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most
days. Check with your provider for an activity good for you.\\ Do not
smoke cigarettes or tobacco. \\ Keep your blood sugar controlled.\\
Consult your provider about drinking alcohol. \\ Talk to your provider
about lipid-lowering medications that may be appropriate for you. \\
To prepare for this test, you should not eat or drink anything for at
least 9 hours before blood is drawn to get a correct reading. You may
take your pills and drink water prior to the blood test but you should
not have any coffee, other drinks or any food.\\
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SUMMARY COHORT FOUND TEXT |
Everyone should have a blood test for elevated cholesterol or blood fats
Abnormal lipid levels increase the risk for heart disease, heart attack,
or stroke because of their effect on blood vessels. How often the blood
test for lipids needs to be done depends on what the levels have been
before. Your goal for control of your lipid levels depends on your risk
for heart disease. Talk with your primary care team about your blood lipid
levels and what your goals should be.
at regular intervals. This test measures the level of four types of
lipids: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and
triglycerides. \\
To prepare for this test, you should not eat or drink anything for at
least 9 hours before blood is drawn to get a correct reading. You may
take your pills and drink water prior to the blood test but you should not
have any coffee, other drinks or any food.\\
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