Back Take the Cholesterol Quiz Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. It helps form cell membranes and is involved in the production of some hormones and vitamin D. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs. 1. Anyone who is 20 or older should have a cholesterol check: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend testing more often. The best blood test to check cholesterol is a "lipoprotein profile," which is done after fasting for nine to 12 hours. A lipoprotein is a substance in the blood that carries cholesterol and other fats to the body's cells. The most important lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), considered "good" cholesterol. A. Every 2 yearsB. Every 5 yearsC. Every 7 yearsD. Every 10 years 2. A complete lipid screening obtained after fasting for eight hours measures: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Cholesterol checks that don't involve fasting aren't as accurate, but they can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. These checks can give you a total cholesterol level and the HDL level. If your total is 200 mg/dL or more, or if your HDL level is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to get a lipoprotein profile. A. LDL cholesterolB. HDL cholesterolC. TriglyceridesD. All of the above 3. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called "bad" cholesterol because: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Low-density lipoprotein is the main cholesterol carrier in the blood and the main source of cholesterol buildup in the body. An optimal LDL level is less than 100 mg/dL. Near optimal is 100 to 129 mg/dL. High LDL level is considered 160 mg/dL and above. Triglycerides are another form of fat in the blood; like LDL cholesterol, they raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. A high triglyceride level is 200 mg/dL or more; borderline high is 150 to 199 mg/dL. A. It causes low blood countsB. It can cause blockage in the arteriesC. It alters heart rhythmD. None of the above 4. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called "good" cholesterol because: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Researchers think that high-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol away from the arteries, to the liver, where it then passes from the body. The higher HDL number you have, the better. An HDL level of less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or more helps lower your risk for heart disease. A. It keeps cholesterol from building up in the lining of the arteriesB. Your body produces more of it as you get olderC. It helps keep your blood from clottingD. None of the above 5. A diet that helps keep blood cholesterol levels in check includes: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Saturated fats and cholesterol in your diet make your blood cholesterol go up. You can estimate the amount of cholesterol and fat in foods by reading the nutrition labels. The main culprit is saturated fat, which is found in animal fats, including fats in meats and whole-milk dairy products. Try to limit your daily intake of saturated fats to no more than 7 percent of your diet (the average American diet is 11 percent). Cholesterol in your food also matters. Try to limit your intake of cholesterol (found in egg yolks, meat, poultry, seafood, and whole-milk dairy products) to no more than 200 mg a day. Trans fats (found in commercially baked goods and stick margarine) also can raise blood cholesterol. Try to limit your consumption of these. If you're overweight, losing weight can help lower your levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as boosting your HDL cholesterol level. Adding soluble fiber to your diet also can help lower LDL levels A. Limited amount of saturated fatsB. Limited amount of cholesterolC. Limited amount of fiberD. A and B 6. How can exercise help blood cholesterol levels? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. You should try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most — if not all — days. (If you haven't been active, check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.) A. It boosts HDL levelsB. It lowers LDL levelsC. It helps you maintain a healthy weightD. All of the above 7. Besides high cholesterol, which of these is a major risk factor for heart disease? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You can't do anything about your age or family history of heart disease, but you can quit smoking and take steps to control your blood pressure. As people age, their cholesterol levels rise. Women's LDL levels tend to rise after menopause. High blood cholesterol also can run in families. Other risk factors for heart disease include little or no physical activity and obesity. A. Cigarette smokingB. High blood pressureC. Family history of heart diseaseD. AgeE. All of the above 8. How is high cholesterol treated? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Depending on your cholesterol levels and your risk factors for heart disease, you may only need "therapeutic lifestyle changes"—changing your diet, adding exercise, losing weight. If your risk is higher, you will need drug treatment, as well as lifestyle changes, to lower your cholesterol levels. Medications for lowering cholesterol include statins, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, and fibric acids. Your doctor will help determine which medication is right for you. A. With diet changesB. With weight management and physical activityC. With medicationD. All of the above Your score was: