What are Lipids?
Lipids are blood fats called cholesterol or triglycerides. Cholesterol is further divided into HDL called the “good” cholesterol because it helps to clear out blood vessels and LDL, called the “bad” cholesterol because it clogs up blood vessels.
What Problems Do High Lipids Cause?
High lipid levels cause Coronary Heart Disease. The blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are called "coronary" arteries. When they become blocked with fatty plaques, a heart attack may result.
High lipids can also block other arteries. The arteries that supply blood to the brain can be blocked causing a stroke. Those supplying blood to the legs can become blocked causing an amputation.
High Lipids Can’t Be Felt.
The only way you can know that you have high lipids is by having your blood tested. Ask your doctor for a lipids test if you are at risk.
Who is at Risk for High Lipids?
Persons who are:
· Middle Age and older (Men at 45 and Women at 55)
· Current smokers
and persons who have:
· A family history of heart attack before age 55.
· High blood pressure
· High blood sugar
Where Does Cholesterol Come from?
· From the liver:
The liver makes cholesterol for everyone. Some persons for unknown reasons make more than is needed
· From food:
The foods we eat may contain cholesterol and some foods increases cholesterol inside the body.
Which Foods Raise Cholesterol?
· Foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats Examples: Fatty meats, butter, whole-milk, cream, egg yolks, liver, and cheeses
· Foods that raise cholesterol inside the body:
“Hydrogenated” (hardened) or “Saturated” Fats. These turn solid at room temperature.
Examples of hydrogenated fats: Shortening, stick margarines
Examples of saturated fats: lard, butter and the fat in meats
Where do Triglycerides come from?
Triglycerides may get high because your family tends to have high triglycerides. They may also get high when your blood sugar gets high.
Which Foods Raise Triglycerides?
Foods that raise your blood sugar may also raise your triglycerides. Examples: Sweets and too much fruit, milk, bread or alcohol
Targets for Lipids when you have diabetes:
|
Total Cholesterol |
200 or less |
|
HDL Cholesterol (More HDL is better) |
45 for men 55 for women |
|
LDL Cholesterol |
100 or less |
|
Triglycerides |
150 or less |
What You Can Do to Lower Your Lipids
· Eat less saturated fats and no hydrogenated fats.
· Eat more vegetables and other whole grain foods high in fiber.
· Limit your meat intake to 6 ounces daily.
· When you use oils in cooking or in salad dressings, use Canola, olive, or peanut oils.
· Walk or do other aerobic type exercise 30 minutes daily.
· Ask for medications if you don’t reach your lipid goals with diet and exercise.
· If you use tobacco of any kind, join a program that will offer information and support. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation offers "Smoking Cessation" programs at each clinic. Smoking lowers the HDL (good) cholesterol.
· If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (1 or 2 drinks a day).
Medications to Treat Lipids at Muscogee (Creek) Nation Clinics
For Cholesterol:
· Statins: Simvastatin (Zocor) or Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
For Triglycerides:
· Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
What You Need to Know about Taking Lipid Lowering Drugs
· The name of your medication
· How long it will take before the medicine works
· The side effects that would require you to change or stop
· Fasting lab will be needed for rechecking lipids
· Tests to check your liver will be done
· A handout for each medication is available from the pharmacist