These days, it seems as if more and more people are aiming to lead healthy lifestyles. To this end, many people are now monitoring their cholesterol levels. Since high cholesterol can contribute to a number of health problems, including heart disease, it is important to take the necessary steps to learn as much about cholesterol as possible.

In order to stay informed on cholesterol and its possible impacts on your health, talk to your doctor. Our cholesterol questions can make sure you get all the important information about cholesterol.

Cholesterol Defined

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that is found in our bodies. It helps our bodies produce cell membranes, helps in the formation of certain hormones and also helps our bodies perform certain functions.

While cholesterol is necessary, too much of it can put us at risk for major health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol is made by our bodies, but it also comes from the foods we eat. Our livers and cells are responsible for approximately 75 percent of our blood cholesterol. Approximately 25 percent of the cholesterol in our blood comes from food.

Cholesterol Questions

Write down or print the following questions to bring with you to your doctor's appointment. Remember to bring something to write with so you can record any important information your doctor provides:

• Can exercise help me reach my cholesterol goals? If so, what exercises should I be performing?
• Can smoking and being exposed to smoke affect my cholesterol levels?
• Do I need to take medication to lower my cholesterol?
• How long will it take for me to reach my healthy cholesterol level?
• What do my cholesterol numbers mean?
• What foods can help me lower my cholesterol levels? Are there any foods I should avoid?
• What is a healthy cholesterol number for me?
• Will losing weight help lower my cholesterol levels?
• When should I come back to have my cholesterol levels checked?

Two Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL):

• LDL is often called bad cholesterol. It can accumulate on the walls of arteries and contribute to strokes and heart attacks.
• HDL is known as good cholesterol, as high levels of HDL seem to protect a person against heart attack.

Questions about Cholesterol Medication

If you and your doctor decide cholesterol medication is right for you, ask the following questions to learn as much about your prescription and its side effects:

• Are there any side effects associated with my cholesterol medication?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking my cholesterol medication?
• How long should I take my medication?
• How often should I take my medication?
• How will I know if my cholesterol medication is working?
• How will my medication benefit me?
• Is there a generic form of my cholesterol medication?
• Should I avoid certain foods while taking this medication?
• Should I avoid taking other medications while taking this medication?
• What cholesterol medication is best for me?
• What if I miss a dosage?
• When should I return to have my cholesterol levels checked?

Resources

American Heart Association (2007). Cholesterol Questions To Ask Your Doctor. Retrieved October 22, 2007, from the American Heart Association Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3006033.