Cholesterol in Women
The female sex hormone estrogen tends to raise HDL cholesterol, and as a rule, women have higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels than men. Estrogen production is highest during the childbearing years. This may help explain why pre menopausal women are usually protected from developing heart disease.
Older women tend to have high ertrig lyceride levels. As people get older, gain weight or both, their triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise.
At one time, it was thought that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might lower a woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke. However, recent studies have shown that HRT does not reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in postmenopausal women, and the American Heart Association recommends it not be used for cardiovascular prevention.
The American Heart Association recommends LDL (bad) cholesterol-lowering drug therapy for most women with heart disease. Drug therapy should be combined with a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars and rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole-grain foods, and fat-free and low-fat dairy. Fish (such as salmon, trout or herring) should be eaten twice a week. In addition, women should manage their weight, not smoke and get an average of 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity 3 or 4 times per week
Cholesterol in Kids
Compelling evidence shows the atherosclerotic process (buildup of fatty plaque in arteries) begins in childhood and progresses slowly into adulthood. Later in life, it often leads to coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Evidence shows that:
- Atherosclerosis or its precursors begin in young people.
- Elevated cholesterol levels early in life may play a role in the development of adult atherosclerosis.
- Eating patterns and genetics affect blood cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease risk.
- Lowering levels in children and adolescents may be beneficial.
To reduce fatty buildup in the arteries of children.
- Cigarette smoking should be discouraged.
- Regular aerobic exercise should be encouraged.
- High blood pressure should be identified and treated.
- Overweight should be avoided or reduced.
- Diabetes should be diagnosed and treated.
- Children ages 2 and older should be encouraged to eat 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily and a wide variety of other foods low in saturated fat and trans fat.
Cholesterol testing should be considered for the following groups of children and adolescents:
- Those with a parent or grandparent who had evidence of coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease; who had a coronary artery procedure; or who suffered a heart attack or sudden cardiac death before age 55.
- Those with a parent who has a history of high total cholesterol levels (240 mg/dL or higher).
Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s cholesterol or overall health.
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