Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease, yet many people are not aware they have the condition. Previously, "high" cholesterol was thought to be the problem. However, new research has shown that there are different types of cholesterol: some good and some bad. The risk factors related to cholesterol levels are related to the balance or ratios between these different kinds of cholesterol. 

How Do You Know?
"The only way to know if your cholesterol is unhealthy is to see your doctor and get screened," says Dr. Ali Mortazavi, Chief of Cardiology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Your body needs cholesterol to function properly and, in the early stages, unhealthy cholesterol levels may not cause any symptoms. Therefore, all adults age 20 or older should have a fasting lipoprotein profile once every five years." This test includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind), HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind) and triglycerides.

The problems begin when the bad cholesterol builds up in your arteries. If this is not reversed, your arteries can start to "harden" or become less elastic. This is a disease known as arteriosclerosis. Eventually, the diseased arteries become narrowed and the blood flow to the heart and other organs is either slowed down or blocked. If blood flow is completely blocked, you may suffer a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening episode.

Unhealthy Cholesterol: All in the Family
"Some people think they cannot have unhealthy cholesterol levels if they are young, thin, active, or lead a healthy lifestyle," explains Dr. Mortazavi. "The truth is, you might have inherited a tendency to have unhealthy cholesterol from your parents. Your genes have a lot to do with your cholesterol levels. Anyone - men, women, young, old - can be affected by unhealthy cholesterol."

In addition to heredity, your age and gender may also impact your cholesterol number. Cholesterol levels increase as you get older. Women's cholesterol may also increase after menopause.

What can I do about it?
Even though there are genetic factors, you can help manage your cholesterol by making positive lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, and losing weight, if necessary.

"When you get screened, your doctor will tell you if you have an unhealthy cholesterol profile," explains Dr. Mortazavi. "Your doctor will discuss your cholesterol levels with you and, if needed, develop a treatment plan. Treatment usually begins with healthy lifestyle changes. After that, if your cholesterol is still out of balance, your doctor may prescribe drug therapy.

Lipid Clinic at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
The Lipid Clinic at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, a unique service of our Cardiology Department, aggressively manages unhealthy cholesterol levels in select patients. Started in 1999 by Dr. Mortazavi, the Lipid Clinic has a documented history of success in preventing further disease progression in patients with coronary artery disease or other risk factors. Ask your Kelsey-Seybold cardiologist for more information about this program.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold cardiologist, call 713-442-DOCS (5437). In most cases, no referrals are necessary.