What You Need to Know About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance in your bloodstream. It’s used to build new cells and digest food. It’s never too early or too late to start managing your cholesterol levels. Without management high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. Talk to your doctor to get a screening. Also ask about ways to take care of your heart to live a healthier life.
How To Read Your Cholesterol Levels
Total Cholestrol (TC): The total amount of all cholesterol in your blood — too much increases your risk of heart disease.
Desirable: Less than 200mg/dL
Borderline: High 200-239 mg/dL
High: 240 mg/dL and above
LDL Cholestrol: Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL can attach itself to the walls of your bloodstream, causing blockage that can lead to heart disease or stroke. Remember: The lower the LDL, the better!
Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
High: 160-189 mg/dL
Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
HDL Cholestrol: Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL flushes away the LDL cholesterol. Remember: The higher the HDL, the better!
Low: 40 mg/dL
High: 60 mg/dL and above
Triglycerides (TG): The body’s storage form for fat.
Source: National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)
Members Who Complete Two Healthy Activities can enroll in our Active&Fit Enterprise Gym Value-Added Service Program
Carolina Complete Health members who are 18 years or older and have completed two My Health Pays healthy activities can receive an annual gym membership or select a home fitness kit with access to workout videos.
Cholestrol Resources
Learn about what cholesterol management resources are available to you through Carolina Complete Health:
- The Preferred Drug List (PDL) is a list of drugs covered by Carolina Complete Health, including diabetes medications and testing supplies covered at retail pharmacies.
- Preferred Drug List Formulary Search Tool will assist you with verifying if your medication or testing supplies are covered on the Preferred Drug List.
- Pharmacy Allowance Over-The-Counter (OTC) Value-Added Service: In addition to your standard benefits members can receive a $120 per plan year allowance ($30 every three months) for commonly used OTC products and products that may be useful to diabetic members.
- Active&Fit Enterprise Gym Membership: Members who are 18 years or older and have completed two My Health Pays healthy activities can receive access to fitness centers or home fitness kits.
- WeightWatchers: Eligible members can enroll in a WeightWatchers program, which includes, 10 weeks of WeightWatchers digital and web-based classes and workshops, and access to 14 weeks of online tools per plan year.
Additional Resources
Assistance with Scheduling an Appointment
If you need help making an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss a plan to prevent or manage cholesterol, please contact Member Services at 1-833-552-3876 (TTY: 711) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.