Eight Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Cholesterol

According to the FDA Office of Women's Health, women over the age of twenty should have their cholesterol checked by their doctor regularly. Women are more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than men.

But what is cholesterol and what exactly do you need to know about it?

Here are the eight things every woman should know about cholesterol:

1. The Definition of Cholesterol. Cholesterol is produced by your body. It is a fat-like material found in blood, but cholesterol can also build up on the inside blood vessel of your heart. The American Heart Association describes cholesterol as "a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells." Cholesterol is used for producing cell membranes, hormones, and aids other necessary bodily functions.

2. Excess Cholesterol Is Not a Good Thing. Foods we eat can add cholesterol to our blood and cause an excess of cholesterol in our bodies. As a result, cholesterol can build up, possibly leading to blockage of blood to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack.

3. LDL and Triglycerides Are Cholesterol Culprits. LDL and Triglycerides are otherwise known as "bad cholesterol." LDL causes the build up of cholesterol in arteries leading to blockage of blood to the heart. LDL is also linked to heart disease. Triglycerides are a form of cholesterol fat in your blood that are also directly linked to heart disease.

4. HDL is a Cholesterol Friend. HDL is otherwise known as "good cholesterol." HDL protects arteries from clogging up and protects against heart disease.

5. There Are Not Always Warning Signs of High Cholesterol. The average person never experiences any signs of high cholesterol. This is why it is important to have your cholesterol level checked regularly. By the time cholesterol builds up to the point of blockage, it may result in chest pains for some people, but this is not always the case. The best way to stay up to date on your body's production of cholesterol is to have it checked.

6. You Can Easily Find Out If You Have High Cholesterol. Your family physician or local doctor can authorize a cholesterol test. If your doctor has not suggested a cholesterol test, simply ask for one, they should be cooperative with your efforts to monitor to your health. A cholesterol test results will be giving in a number form.

A cholesterol number under 200 indicates "safe" cholesterol levels in the blood. A cholesterol number between 200 to 239 is considered to be borderline (at risk.) A cholesterol level over 240 is considered to be high or high risk for complications to develop.

7. You Can Help Prevent High Cholesterol. Maintaining and active lifestyle, exercising regularly, cutting back on fatty, fried, and high cholesterol foods, and maintaining a healthy weight are all ways in which to help prevent high cholesterol.

8. You Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol Levels. If you have high cholesterol, starting an exercise program, upping the activity level in your lifestyle, cutting back on fatty, fried, and high cholesterol foods, and losing weight will all help to lower your cholesterol levels. Supplements, such as Omega-3, and prescription medicines may also help to lower cholesterol levels. The best course of action you can take is to discuss all the alternatives and lifestyle changes with your doctor to come up with an effective plan for lowering your cholesterol.