Ask the Doctor: What are the best ways to control cholesterol?

By Kay Quinn, Healthbeat Reporter

KSDK -- For the 17 percent of Americans with high cholesterol, the battle to control it can be an ongoing process.

"We need it. Everyone has it, it's a good thing to have it. That is part of production of normal cells," said Dr. Diane Hood, an internal medicine specialist at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield.

But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. And it's not just a problem for older adults.

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"Everybody should worry about it because we're seeing high cholesterol levels in pre-teens, teens. Certainly above 20 you should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly," Hood explained.

One look at a clogged artery and it's easy to see how the build-up leads to stroke and heart disease.

"You see a buildup of plaque, which is cholesterol, through the arteries, getting worse the higher the levels in your body get," Hood said. "Eventually this artery narrows so much that you get blood clots and eventually total cessation of the blood flow through that artery."

Diet and exercise are the best ways to control cholesterol levels, and a little can go a long way.

"People would be surprised to hear that even a 5 or 10 pound weight loss can normalize cholesterol levels. Some people can control it through lifestyle modifications. But others even after they've made those lifestyle modifications need prescription medicines," explained Hood.

No matter how you control your cholesterol, keep it in check and your heart will thank you.

"Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America. So certainly looking at all the reversible causes of cardiovascular disease, this is one of the major factors that you can reduce on your own," Hood said.

Doctors recommend healthy adults have their cholesterol checked every five years. For seniors, an annual check is best.