Is smoking, hypertension or diabetes worse for my cholesterol?

Submitted by Dr T on January 2, 2011 – 12:09pm

All these influence your cholesterol and thus the risk for heart disease:

Classification of LDL, Total, HDL Cholesterol (mg)/dL)

Total Cholesterol

• <200         Desirable
• 200-239     Borderline high
• >240        High

LDL Cholesterol

• <100         Optimal
• 100-129     Near optimal/above optimal
• 130-159     Borderline high
• 160-189     High
• >190         Very high

HDL Cholesterol

• <40         Low
• >60         High

Major Risk Factors (Exclusive of LDL Cholesterol) That Modify LDL Goals*

• Cigarette smoking
• Hypertension (BP ³140/90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication)
• Low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL)†
• Family history of premature CHD (CHD in male first degree relative <55 years;
• CHD in female first degree relative <65 years)
• Age (men >45 years; women >55 years)*

* Diabetes is regarded as a CAD risk equivalent.
† HDL cholesterol ³60 mg/dL counts as a “negative” risk factor; its presence removes one risk factor from the total count.

You can calculate your risks here:

https://www.cardiachealth.org/app/risk-assessment.php

Treatment depends on many factors, but include diet and exercise, behavior modifications, and medications! A lot of what will happen is thus up to you!

Hope this helps,