Reducing risks for high cholesterol
High cholesterol is common after transplantation. One fourth to one half of transplant recipients have or will develop high cholesterol. If cholesterol levels get too high, blood vessels may become partially clogged, slowing or blocking the flow of blood. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some of the immunosuppressive, or “anti-rejection,” medications you may be taking may increase your cholesterol levels and/or your blood pressure.
Therefore, it is important for you and your doctor to work hard to minimize risk factors for heart disease, including controlling cholesterol.
Eating foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise your blood cholesterol to unhealthy levels. There are three main types of blood cholesterol or blood lipids: low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
This is referred to as the “bad” kind of blood lipids. It is usually connected to your diet, how much you exercise, and your family history.
| How to Interpret Your LDL Level* | |
|---|---|
| Optimal Less than 100 mg/dL† |
Near optimal 100–129 mg/dL |
| Borderline high 130–159 mg/dL |
High 160–189 mg/dL |
| Very high 189 mg/dL or higher |
|
Source: www.americanheart.org
*In some medical situations your target levels may be lower. Ask your doctor what your target levels should be.
†Milligrams per deciliter.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
This is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, because it can help reduce potentially harmful fatty deposits in your arteries.
| How to Interpret Your HDL Level | |
|---|---|
| Optimal 60 mg/dL or above |
Too low (men) 39 mg/dL or below |
| Too low (women) 49 mg/dL or below |
|
Source: www.americanheart.org
Triglycerides (TG)
Triglycerides are often measured as a reflection of fat (lipid) ingestion and how fats are metabolized by your body. Higher triglyceride levels may be associated with higher risks of heart disease and stroke.
| how to interpret your triglyceride level | |
|---|---|
| Normal Less than 150 mg/dL |
Borderline high 150–199 mg/dL |
| High 200–499 mg/dL |
Very high 500 mg/dL or above |
Source: www.nih.gov
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