What is cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It plays important roles in hormone production, digestion, and vitamin D synthesis. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, also called hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease.
There are a few key things to understand about cholesterol levels:
- LDL cholesterol - This is known as the "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. High LDL levels raise your risk for heart attack and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol - Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from arteries to keep them open. Higher HDL levels are associated with lower heart disease risk.
- Triglycerides - These are another type of fat in the blood. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the diet can cause high triglycerides.
When you get your cholesterol tested, results will include:
- Total cholesterol level
- LDL cholesterol level
- HDL cholesterol level
- Triglycerides level
What are healthy cholesterol levels? As per American Heart Association guidelines:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL. Under 70 mg/dL is optimal for high-risk people
- HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
So how do you keep cholesterol at a healthy level? Diet and lifestyle play a big role. Here are some tips:
- Limit saturated and trans fats (meat, dairy, fried food, baked goods)
- Eat more unsaturated fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados)
- Load up on fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise for 30-60 minutes most days
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke cigarettes
For some people, healthy cholesterol levels are hard to reach through diet alone. In this case, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. These are highly effective at reducing LDL levels.
The key is to get your cholesterol tested regularly, understand your levels, and take doctor-recommended steps to protect your heart health through middle age and beyond! Visit Revive HRT for professional guidance on managing cholesterol levels.