The American Heart Association states that each year, over 500,000 women die of cardiovascular disease. According to reports, women with high cholesterol levels are at risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. According from the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2006 Update, over 51 million women in the United States have extremely high levels of cholesterol.

But what is cholesterol? Cholesterol is that fatty substance in the human body. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL (the good cholesterol) and LDL (the bad cholesterol). According to studies, women who have not yet had menopause tend to have higher levels of HDL since these women have high levels of estrogen (female sex hormone). It has been found that estrogen increases the levels of HDL. As women approach the menopausal stage, their estrogen levels begin to drop, causing the HDL levels to drop too. Women are at risk of developing heart disease and stroke after menopause because their LDL levels increase.

In addition, two risk factors have been identified to increase heart disease in women: diabetes and smoking. Thus, it is vital for women to see their doctor for regular cholesterol tests, especially if they are 40 years or older. Regular cholesterol testing can help women find out if they are at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, and if they are, they can then take the necessary steps towards lowering their risk. In addition, women who smoke need to seriously think about kicking the habit as a connection between smoking and heart disease has been established and that giving up smoking can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Women whose LDL levels are extremely high are often prescribed medication designed to lower cholesterol to safe levels. Most doctors recommend their patients to stay on the medication (as a precautionary measure) even after their cholesterol levels have gone down to normal. It is vital that patients follow their doctor’s advice when it comes to medication.

Women who are in the pre- and post-menopausal stages tend to be the ones with high cholesterol levels. Thus, it is important for women to learn how they can control or manage their cholesterol levels in both stages. According to Dr. Kristin Newby, associate director of the Cardiac Care Unit at Duke University Medical Center, the liver manufactures cholesterol and it can also come from the food we consume. As we age, our cholesterol levels increase, and it is particularly crucial for women to watch their diet and have regular cholesterol testing.