What is cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two types of cholesterol:
LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol. It contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result.
HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. It carries LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are better.
When your doctor measures your cholesterol levels, he or she will look at:
- Your total cholesterol level - Your LDL cholesterol level - Your HDL cholesterol level - Non-HDL cholesterol level (total cholesterol minus HDL) - Your triglyceride level
The ideal cholesterol levels are:
- Total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dL - LDL cholesterol - less than 100 mg/dL - HDL cholesterol - 60 mg/dL or higher - Triglycerides - less than 150 mg/dL
_"Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is key to heart health,"_ says Dr. Jane Doe of Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic.
High cholesterol usually doesn't have any symptoms. As a silent killer, it can quietly damage your arteries over the years. That's why getting your cholesterol checked is so important.
Who should be concerned about cholesterol levels?
- Adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years. - People with cardiovascular disease or risks for it should have more frequent testing.
What affects cholesterol levels?
- Diet - Saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels. - Weight - Being overweight tends to increase your cholesterol. - Physical activity - Lack of exercise can lead to elevated cholesterol. - Genetics - High cholesterol can run in families. - Age - Cholesterol levels rise as you get older. - Gender - Before menopause, women tend to have lower total cholesterol levels than men.
How can you improve your cholesterol levels? Here are some tips:
- Eat a heart healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats. Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. - Lose extra weight and keep it off. - Exercise regularly - aim for 30 minutes most days. - Don't smoke - it lowers HDL ("good") cholesterol. - Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 for men. - Take medications as prescribed to lower cholesterol. - _Consider nutritional supplements focused on heart health, like those offered by Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic._
Keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels takes commitment, but it's one of the best things you can do for your heart. Partner with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol and make lifestyle changes as needed. Your heart will thank you!