High Cholesterol in Men: Everything You Should Know

Cholesterol is a form of fat and is found in every cell of your body. It is needed to build healthy cells and make hormones. High cholesterol is a result of factors such as inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet. Other factors, like family history, may also contribute to high cholesterol.

What types of Cholesterol are there?

Cholesterol is broken up into three types of lipoproteins, which transport fats and protein through your bloodstream.

• Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. This is the cholesterol that builds up in your blood vessels and causes hardening of the arteries.
• Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) are produced by your liver and help transport triglycerides through your bloodstream. Triglycerides are fats that circulate in your blood and provide your body with energy. VLDLs are very similar to LDLs because when your levels are high, they can also contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
• High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) are often referred to as the "good" cholesterol. HDL works in your favor to carry other cholesterols away from the blood vessels. Generally, the higher your HDL, the lower your risk of heart disease. Men should have an HDL level above 40 mg/dL, and women should have an HDL above 50 mg/dL.
• Total Cholesterol (TC) is the sum of three different cholesterol types. It is made up of the HDL, LDL, and VLDL.

Talk to your primary care provider to learn what a healthy level of cholesterol is for you.

How is cholesterol different in men versus women?

Cholesterol affects men and women differently, due to hormones, lifestyle and aging. These can change over time and may affect risk levels. This makes it important to understand how cholesterol behaves in each group.

A couple of key differences include that men typically have lower HDL ("good") cholesterol. This can increase their risk of heart problems. While men generally face a higher risk of heart disease earlier in life, these differences tend to even out as women age.

This difference largely stems from estrogen, a hormone primarily produced in the ovaries in females. This helps raise HDL levels and provides protection against heart disease.

What does high cholesterol cause in men?

Common symptoms and negative impacts of high cholesterol in men include:

• Higher risk of heart disease
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Other heart problems

How can men lower their "bad cholesterol"?

For many men, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels starts with understanding the everyday choices that can influence heart health.

• Eating a well-balanced diet: Make sure your meals include healthy fats (olive oil, fish, etc.), fiber, nutritious carbs (fruit, grains, etc.) and lower your fat intake.
• Exercise: Positive exercise habits have been proven to help you reach your cholesterol goals. Try around 30 minutes per day five times a week to see improvement.
• Supplements: Vitamins including fish oil, Psyllium (soluble fiber), and fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin A, E, D and K) can help with lowering your bad cholesterol. Always talk to a medical professional before taking anything.
• Don't smoke and drink only in moderation: Cutting out or reducing both tobacco and alcohol use can help raise your HDL and lower your LDL.

If you have any questions, speak with your primary care provider.