Introduction to High Blood Cholesterol

High Cholesterol and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

High levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream is recognized as a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis (accumulation of plaque in the walls of the arteries that can cause blockages and reduce blood flow to an organ) and is, therefore, also a key risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the United States, CAD is responsible for about 500,000 deaths each year. The American Heart Association estimates that about 100 million Americans have total cholesterol levels between 200-239 mg/dL (defined as "borderline high") and at least 40 million Americans have total cholesterol levels greater than 240 mg/dL (defined as "high"). These finding indicate that, based on levels of total cholesterol, at least 140 million people in the U.S. are at moderate to high risk for developing CAD.

Other important risk factors for coronary artery disease include:

• Age - 45 years of age or older (men) ; 55 years of age or older (women)
• Being overweight
• Not getting enough exercise
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure - 140/90 or higher
• Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL)
• Family history of heart disease
• Family history of elevated total cholesterol (greater than 200 mg/dL)

Metabolic Syndrome

Women with a condition known as metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD), irrespective of their LDL cholesterol level. Metabolic syndrome is most often seen in women who are overweight/obese who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Women are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if they meet 3 or more of the following criteria:

• Waist measurement of more than 35 inches
• Triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher
• HDL cholesterol level less than 50 mg/dL
• Blood pressure of 130/85 or higher
• Blood sugar level of 110 or higher