What is cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol - Known as "bad" cholesterol, high LDL levels in your blood increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol - Known as "good" cholesterol, high HDL levels can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
When getting your cholesterol checked, it's important to fast for 9 to 12 hours so that your tests accurately reflect your regular cholesterol levels. Fasting means no food or drink except water.
Some key indicators from your cholesterol test include:
- Total cholesterol - This measures your overall cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered desirable for healthy individuals.
- LDL cholesterol - For optimal health, your LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL. Under 70 mg/dL is considered very safe.
- HDL cholesterol - For optimal health, your HDL should be 60 mg/dL or higher.
- Triglycerides - Ideally, this should be less than 150 mg/dL.
Struggling with high cholesterol? The medical professionals at Harmony Hormone Clinic can help get your levels on track. Our individualized programs combine nutrition planning, lifestyle changes, and when needed, bioidentical hormone therapy. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Lifestyle changes can have a big impact on cholesterol levels:
- Eat heart healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy oils like olive oil.
- Limit saturated and trans fats, which are found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and many processed foods.
- Exercise regularly - aim for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both adversely impact cholesterol levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight - excess weight strains your cardiovascular system.
In some cases, medication may be needed in addition to lifestyle changes to manage high cholesterol:
- Statins work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. This causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood.
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
- Injectable medications can lower LDL cholesterol by 60% to 80%.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medications. Get your cholesterol levels checked annually, or more often if you have heart disease risk factors. Take control of your heart health starting today!
Harmony Hormone Clinic has helped over 500 patients optimize their cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Our programs are tailored to your unique health needs. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation! We accept most major insurance plans.