Cholesterol levels - Hormone Wellness Clinic

What is Cholesterol and Healthy Cholesterol Levels?

Are you concerned about your cholesterol levels? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood, and it's essential for the proper functioning of your body. However, too much cholesterol can be a health risk.

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that is produced by the liver and also found in certain foods. It's an important component of cell membranes and is used by the body to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest food.

There are two main types of cholesterol: - LDL (low-density lipoprotein) - often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. - HDL (high-density lipoprotein) - considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries.

Healthy Cholesterol Levels So, what are healthy cholesterol levels? The recommended total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable, 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high, and 240 mg/dL and above is high.
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160-189 mg/dL is high, and 190 mg/dL and above is very high.
• HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease, while less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women is considered low.

What Affects Cholesterol Levels? Your cholesterol levels can be influenced by a variety of factors, including: - Diet - Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats can raise your LDL cholesterol. - Weight - Being overweight or obese can increase your cholesterol levels. - Exercise - Regular physical activity can help raise your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol. - Age and Gender - Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older, and men generally have higher LDL cholesterol than women. - Genetics - Some people have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, known as familial hypercholesterolemia.

Getting Your Cholesterol Checked It's important to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider can order a simple blood test to measure your total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels.

If your cholesterol levels are not within the healthy range, don't worry! There are steps you can take to improve your cholesterol, such as making dietary changes, exercising regularly, and, in some cases, taking medication.

Remember, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for your overall heart health. If you're concerned about your cholesterol, consider visiting a trusted healthcare provider like the experts at Hormone Wellness Clinic. They can help you understand your results and develop a personalized plan to keep your cholesterol in check.