Cholesterol has a bad reputation, but it is vital: it is part of the composition of cells and many hormones. The problem comes from its excess, in particular “bad” cholesterol, which contributes to clogging of the arteries. Monitoring it as part of overall cardiovascular risk is part of good prevention.
1. Good and bad cholesterol: what are we talking about?
Cholesterol circulates in the blood carried by proteins. LDL brings cholesterol to the tissues: in excess, it is deposited on the wall of the arteries. HDL, conversely, brings cholesterol back to the liver to be eliminated: it is protective.
| Type | Role | General purpose |
|---|---|---|
| LDL | “Bad” cholesterol | Lowest by risk |
| HDL | "Good" cholesterol | Highest possible |
| Triglycerides | Reserve fats | < 1.50 g/L |
2. Overall cardiovascular risk
Cholesterol levels can never be interpreted in isolation. The doctor integrates it into an assessment of overall cardiovascular risk, which takes into account age, sex, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes and family history. It is this overall risk that guides decisions.
3. Act on your cholesterol
A healthy lifestyle is the first weapon: favor unsaturated fats (vegetable oils, fatty fish), increase fiber, limit ultra-processed products, move and not smoke. These measures act on LDL and improve the overall profile.
- Promote fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains
- Replace part of saturated fats with unsaturated fats
- Practice regular physical activity
- Limit alcohol and stop smoking
4. When is treatment necessary?
When cardiovascular risk is high or a healthy lifestyle is not enough, treatment can be offered. The decision is up to the doctor, based on the overall risk and not just the cholesterol figure.
Monitoring your cholesterol means above all monitoring your heart: a regular lipid profile, adapted to your profile, allows you to adjust your prevention.
💡 tips to remember
- Cholesterol is vital: it is its excess, in particular LDL, which clogs the arteries. HDL is protective.
- A cholesterol level can never be interpreted alone: the doctor integrates it into the overall cardiovascular risk (age, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, heredity).
- A healthy lifestyle is the first weapon: unsaturated fats, fiber, physical activity and smoking cessation improve the lipid profile.
- The decision for treatment is based on the overall risk, not on the cholesterol figure alone.
- A regular lipid profile, adapted to my profile, allows me to adjust my cardiovascular prevention over time.
