High Cholesterol Levels

High triglyceride/cholesterol levels

Women can reduce their risk for heart disease by controlling their triglyceride levels (levels of the most common type of fat in our bodies). About 25 percent of American women have high cholesterol levels (240 mg/dL or above), and more than half of women over age 55 in the United States need to lower their blood cholesterol. This waxy substance can cause hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), the major cause of heart attacks.

Although excess weight tends to increase your blood cholesterol level, heredity and diet also contribute to the condition. High cholesterol can run in families, and a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can cause high blood cholesterol levels. The good news is that you can lower your blood cholesterol levels and, in turn, slow, stop, or even reverse buildup in the arteries by adopting a healthy lifestyle. (For more information, see the section on Cholesterol Management.)

Reference:
"Women, Heart Disease, and Stroke," American Heart Association, 2002.