Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in cells in all parts of the body. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots. It can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the “bad” type of cholesterol because it can obstruct the arteries that carry blood to your heart. For LDL, lower numbers are better.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. For HDL, higher numbers are better.
All women age 20 and older should have their blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once every 5 years.
| Total cholesterol level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable |
| 200 – 239 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL and above | High |
| LDL cholesterol level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL | Optimal |
| 100-129 mg/dL | Near optimal/above optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dL | High |
| 190 mg/dL and above | Very high |
HDL (good) cholesterol – Higher is better. More than 60 mg/dL is best.
Triglyceride levels – Lower is better. Less than 150mg/dL is best.
Monitoring cholesterol levels can be cumbersome task manually. But with technology as handy as your cellphone, you can download free app “Sanket Life” to monitor your cholesterol intake. The app not only helps in keeping track of cholesterol, BP and sugar but also connects to Sanket ECG Monitor and monitors heart. If user is unable to understand ECG, it can be sent for review for a small fee. The app also measures stress levels. Android | iOS
Our world is equipped with technology and internet enables doctors to remotely diagnose critical ailments. Our phones have enormous potential and this innovation is at our disposal. Whether we use it for benefit or just play mindless candy games depends totally on us.
Content developed with help from WomensHealth
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