Learn More About Cholesterol Today

Taking care of an elderly adult can take a lot of work. You need to know about different health conditions they might have or that might come up. You need to know how different things would affect their current health condition. One of the most common health topics in regards to elderly adults is cholesterol levels. Over half of the adults in the United States have high levels of cholesterol. Research shows that elderly adults with high cholesterol have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If you are caring for an elderly adult, it is important to start learning more about cholesterol, so you can help your loved one to be healthier.

HDL

HDL is known as the good type of cholesterol. The HDL attaches to the LDL (or the bad type of cholesterol) and pushes it through the liver. It does this to filter it out of the body. When it comes to your loved one’s HDL, a higher number is always better. The CDC states that having a 60 mg/dL HDL level or higher can protect someone from heart disease. If someone has a 40 mg/dL HDL level or lower, they have a much higher risk for heart disease.

LDL

LDL is known as the bad type of cholesterol. It is best if your elderly loved one has a lower number of LDL. This reduces the risk of having heart disease or a stroke. If your loved one has an LDL level of 100 mg/dL or lower, this is a good thing. However, if they have an LDL of 159 mg/dL or higher, they are at a severe risk of having heart health and other health issues. With regular exercise and a healthy diet, your loved one could help to lower their LDL levels. However, in some instances, high LDL cholesterol levels are hereditary. If that is the case for your loved one, they may need to be put on a medication by their doctor.

Triglycerides

You should also know more about triglycerides. This is the part of cholesterol that is easiest for your elderly loved one to manage. Exercise and a healthy diet are key to keeping their triglyceride levels below 100 mg/dL. This is the level that is most optimal. However, having triglycerides of 150 mg/dL is still normal. If your loved one has triglyceride levels of 199 mg/dL or higher, they have a much higher chance of getting cardiovascular diseases, as well as type 2 diabetes.

Now that you know more about cholesterol levels and what is considered to be optimal, you can help your loved one to better manage their cholesterol levels. Remember, exercise and a healthier diet are two of the key factors in managing and improving cholesterol levels.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Nine Mile Falls, WA please contact the caring staff at Angel Senior Care today at (509) 326-4357.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-cholesterol

https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_cholesterol.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cholesterol-levels/

https://medlineplus.gov/triglycerides.html