Maryland’s Health Matters - Midtown - Spring 2019 - 4

A HEALTHY START

Myths and Facts About Cholesterol
MYTH: CHOLESTEROL
COMES ONLY FROM FOOD
Fact: While cholesterol can come
from some of the animal products
you eat, such as meat, fish, eggs and
whole milk, your liver naturally produces cholesterol. For some people,
their liver makes more cholesterol
than is needed. In those cases,
high cholesterol is possible, but a
balanced diet coupled with careful
management will help keep their
levels in check.

MYTH: THERE IS
ONLY ONE TYPE OF
CHOLESTEROL
Fact: There are two types of
cholesterol. The first is high-density
lipoprotein (HDL). This "good" cholesterol helps remove some of the "bad"
cholesterol from your body. On results
from a cholesterol test, a higher HDL
Cholesterol gets a bad rap. While having high cholesterol can increase your risk

is best. The second type of choles-

of heart disease, did you know that your body needs cholesterol to help digest

terol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

food, produce vitamin D, absorb important nutrients and more? Here are four

This "bad" cholesterol is caused by a

other myths and facts about this essential but misunderstood substance.

buildup of plaque in your artery walls.

MYTH: EATING
EGGS CAUSES HIGH
CHOLESTEROL
Fact: As long as you enjoy them in

MYTH: CHOLESTEROL
CAN BE LOWERED ONLY
BY TAKING MEDICINE
Fact: A healthy lifestyle is key to

moderation, you don't have to avoid

maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

eggs. The American Heart Association

If you have or are at risk of developing

recommends no more than 300 mil-

high cholesterol, a healthy diet full of

ligrams of dietary cholesterol a day.

fresh fruit and vegetables, increased

Eggs can contain as much as 200 mg,

physical activity and quitting smoking

which is more than two-thirds the

can help lower your levels. However,

recommended amount. But your body

there are some people whose high

is working for you. If your dietary intake

cholesterol will remain no matter what

rises, your body produces less choles-

lifestyle changes they make. In these

terol, limiting the amount of cholesterol

cases, a physician may prescribe

in your bloodstream.

cholesterol-lowering medications.

4

 MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

Too much plaque can block your
blood vessels, ultimately leading to
heart attack or stroke. A high LDL is
concerning, but don't panic. A physician can help reduce your levels.

CHOLESTEROL
CONCERNS?
WE CAN HELP
Cardiologists at the UMMC
Midtown Campus can help you
get on the path to a healthy
heart. To make an appointment,
call 410-225-8448.

 
Free cholesterol screenings are available Monday through Friday at the
Maryland’s Health Matters - Midtown - Spring 2019

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