Cholesterol. The Good the Bad the Ugly.

Cholesterol. The Good the Bad the Ugly. Courtney Barnes Brad Schmidt Mark Nystrom

Introduction • Who we are • Why we are here today • What cholesterol is • How this knowledge affects you

Cholesterol Statistics

Cholesterol Statistics contd. • An estimated 106.9 million American adults have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and higher, which is above desirable levels. • ¼ of Americans are hypertensive • ¼ of Americans are pre-hypertensive

Cholesterol Statistics contd. • Iowa State Statistics: • 6,400 faculty at I.S.U • $40 million are spent each year on health care costs • $5 million are spent each year on pharmaceuticals costs • $4 million are spent each year on sick days • Lipitor is the number 1 prescribed medication for Iowa State faculty and staff

Cholesterol Risks • Think about what risks apply to you • Age • Gender • Genetics • Exercise • Eating habits • Weight • Alcohol • Smoking • Stress

The Good: What is HDL? • High Density Lipoprotein • Removes cholesterol from body’s tissues • Transport to Liver • Excreted or Re-utilized • Inhibits CV risks • Stroke, heart attacks • Good diet • Omega 3, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated

Recommended Range • American Heart Association, National Institute of Health recommends: • Average women: 50-60 mg/dL • Average men: 40-50 mg/dL • > 60 mg/dL protects against heart disease

What is LDL? • Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) • Triglycerides • LP (A) Cholesterol • Atherosclerosis • Plague

LDL cont. • Suggested range: • <100 mg/dL Optimal • 100 to 129 mg/dL Above Optimal • 130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High • 160 to 189 mg/dL High • 190 and above Very High

LDL cont. • What influences LDL • Saturated • Monounsaturated • Polyunsaturated

What is VLDL? • Very Low Density Lipoprotein • Made of Cholesterol, Triglycerides (fat), Proteins • Transport lipids • Out of lipids, deliver triglycerides to body cells • Post Removal • Triglycerides turns into Intermediate Density Lipoproteins • 2/3 return to liver  Used again • 1/3 in the blood  Turns to LDL

Importance of VLDL • Measuring VLDL • To better understand LDL • Transport • 10-15% of Cholesterol • Body cells • New cell membranes • Further usage (energy storage)

Recommended Range • Triglycerides • <150 mg/dL *REMEMBER: VLDL eventually becomes LDL!

Understanding your food labels • Things to look for: • Saturated • Meats, Dairy,& Processed foods • Monounsaturated • Oils • Nuts • Polyunsaturated • Omega 3 • Omega 6

Controlling Your Cholesterol • Doing a combination of the following will give you a good balance between HDL & LDL: • Aerobic exercise (20-30min most days of the week at moderate intensity) • Lose body fat (control portions, healthy food choices, be active) • Stop smoking • Alcohol consumption

Controlling Your Cholesterol contd. • Increase the monounsaturated fats in your diet • Adding soluble fiber to your diet

The Cholesterol Challenge!!! • Go to your Doctor and get your cholesterol checked • Check food labels • Already in your pantry and at the grocery store • Reduce tobacco use or exposure • Implement physical activity into your daily routine • Walking instead of CyRide • Park farther away at work and store • Plan outdoor physical activity for your family

Conclusion • The Good: ? • The Bad: ? • The Ugly: ? • Diet Habits • Lifestyle Changes

Thank you for your time! • We hope you learned the basic information on cholesterol and how it affects you. • Questions? Comments? • Our next lunch and learn will be Oct. 17th on Breast and Prostate Cancer in Carver Room 202 • Have a good day!

Cholesterol. The Good the Bad the Ugly.