Heart Health for Women
Q: At what age should women begin checking their cholesterol?
A: Women should begin checking their cholesterol levels at age 45 and men at age 35. Smokers, diabetics, and those with a family history of heart disease should start at age 20.
Exercise and having a heart-healthy diet contribute to keeping your cholesterol levels in check. the American Heart Association suggests eating a variety of foods from each food group.
Cholesterol-lowering foods to eat:
- Multi-grain foods (oats, bran)
- Fish high in fat (salmon, albacore tuna, trout, sardines, mackerel)
- Fruits and vegetables which have antioxidants (red beans, pinto beans, black bean, blueberries, cranberries, prunes, strawberries, raspberries, plums, apples, pecans, artichoke)
- Omega-3 rich foods (salmon, trout, fresh tuna, mackerel, halibut, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, walnuts)
Limit your intake of these foods:
- Foods high in saturated fat (beef, lamb, pork, butter, cheese, egg yolk)
- Processed meats (sausages, hot dogs, cold cuts)
- Fried foods (French fries, fried chicken, donuts)
- Foods with simple sugars (candy, cake, baked goods, soft drinks)
- Shortening and saturated oil (use olive oil or canola oil instead)
