Are You Cholesterol Savvy?
Diet is one of the key lifestyle factors that can be controlled when it comes to reducing heart disease risk.
What Should I Eat?
By encouraging healthy eating habits for you and your family, you can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, that have been linked to poor lifestyle choices. Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol is an essential first step.
Use the following chart to help ensure you make heart healthy choices more often:
| Foods | Choose More Often | Choose Less Often |
|---|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry, Fish and Shellfish | Lean cuts of meat with fat trimmed; poultry without skin; fish and shellfish; lean luncheon meat (e.g., turkey) | Fatty cuts of meat; bacon and sausage; organ meats; fried chicken, fried fish and shellfish; high-fat luncheon meat (e.g., salami) |
| Eggs and Dairy | Egg whites; egg substitutes; skim or 1% milk; low-fat or nonfat cheeses; low-fat or non-fat yogurt | Egg yolks; whole milk or 2% milk; whole milk products (example: cheese, yogurt) |
| Fats and Oils | Soft spread margarine; liquid cooking oils; seeds and nuts. | Butter, tropical oils; lard; bacon fat; shortening; partially hydrogenated vegetable oils |
| Breads, Cereals, Pasta, Rice | Breads, cereals, pastas and rice made from whole grains | Refined breads and grain products; granola-type cereals |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned prepared plain or with lemon juice, broth or small amounts of unsaturated oils or margarine spreads; fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit; 100% fruit juice | Vegetables prepared with butter, cheese or cream sauce; fried fruit or fruit served with butter or cream sauce |
Beginning at age 20, all adults should have a cholesterol (lipid) profile done. The best test is a fasting test where you will receive all 4 numbers. You can also have a non-fasting test that will only check your cholesterol and HDL levels. Ask your healthcare provider about ordering these tests.
Total Cholesterol Goal: |
|
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: |
(optimal; goal may vary depending on level of risk) |
Triglycerides Goal: |
|
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: |
> 40 mg/dL (men); |
Evaluating an abnormal cholesterol profile:
If the results of your blood work are abnormal, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
