You've likely heard that cholesterol can cause health problems, particularly in the heart. This substance is helpful in low quantities, but it can be harmful when its levels get too high. If you'd like to protect your cardiac health, here's what to know about the effect cholesterol has on the body and how you can work with a primary care physician to manage it. 

How Does High Cholesterol Affect the Body?

The body needs cholesterol to produce hormones, cells, and vitamins. The liver itself produces all the cholesterol the body needs. You also get cholesterol through your diet, which circulates in your bloodstream. 

Unusually high levels of the waxy substance join with other substances and form hard deposits inside the arteries, making them less flexible and limiting the amount of blood that can flow through them. If a blood clot forms, it can get trapped in the narrowed artery, causing a stroke or a heart attack by blocking blood flow.

What Are Some Ways to Lower It?

Foods such as meat and dairy products are particularly high in cholesterol. They also contain trans fats and saturated fats, which trigger increased cholesterol production in the liver. Aim to reduce your saturated fat intake to less than 6% of your total daily calories. 

You can achieve this by limiting your consumption of fast food, fatty beef, pork, lamb, poultry with skin, and dairy products with whole or reduced-fat milk. Cut back on your trans fats as well by reducing your intake of potato chips, packaged desserts, bakery goods with shortening, and fried foods. 

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL—known as bad cholesterol—clogs your arteries. HDL—good cholesterol—carries LDL to the liver to be disposed of. Exercise has been found to reduce LDL levels while raising HDL. 

Exercise can also help you maintain or lose weight, reducing the strain on your heart. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or biking. 

How Does a Doctor Monitor Cholesterol Levels?

High cholesterol and the elevated blood pressure that comes with it often have no symptoms. Regular testing is the best way to catch and treat it early. A primary care physician can help you monitor and manage your cholesterol levels. 

They'll take a blood sample to determine the amounts of LDL and HDL in the body. If you're considered low-risk, a doctor should check it every four to six years. High-risk individuals, such as those with high blood pressure, should have a medical professional check theirs more often. 

If you're concerned about your cholesterol, the doctors at HDR Healthcare Network will help you monitor and manage your levels. They serve patients throughout the Manhattan Bronx area of New York. You can see your primary care physician at one of numerous medical centers throughout the city for convenient and quick care. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (718) 617-2500 to schedule an appointment.