September 13, 2005

The Michigan Department of Community Health is reminding all Michigan citizens to “know your numbers” and family health history as the state recognizes September as National Cholesterol Awareness Month.

“Anyone with a family history of high cholesterol, stroke or heart disease, especially in men younger than 55 or women under age 65, should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General. “It is extremely important to know your numbers by having blood drawn for cholesterol screening.”

High cholesterol is a risk factor for many chronic diseases – most importantly – coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is one of the most prevalent and preventable forms of heart disease, and is the leading cause of death in Michigan.

Cholesterol is needed for the body to process hormones and vitamins, but excessive amounts in the blood stream can stick to artery walls, which can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol does not show any symptoms so people often do not know they have it. However, it does tend to run in families, so it is also important for everyone to know their own family’s health history.

The American Heart Association recommends all adults 20 years and older have a fasting liproprotein profile (including total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) at least every five years. Ideally, LDL level should be 100mg/dL or less and HDL level should be above 40mg/dL to help lower the risk of heart disease.

For more information on cholesterol, visit www.AmericanHeart.org.

Wisdom said a person can lower his or her risk for CAD and other chronic diseases by increasing daily physical activity levels, choosing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

“I encourage Michigan residents of all ages to visit the Michigan Steps Up website at www.michiganstepsup.org for free resources, including personal planning tips to set and track goals, free healthy recipes and snack ideas, ideas for making healthy choices when eating out, daily health tips, and links to hundreds of health-related resources,” she said.