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 (or "bad" cholesterol): LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries, making them hard and narrow. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL cholesterol (or "good" cholesterol): HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are better.
A blood test called a lipoprotein profile is used to measure your cholesterol levels. It reports your levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood).
A healthy cholesterol level will depend on your risk factors for heart disease. Here are general guidelines:
- Total cholesterol level: - Less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable - 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high - 240 mg/dL and above is considered high
- LDL cholesterol level: - Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal - 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal - 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high - 160-189 mg/dL is high - 190 mg/dL and above is very high
- HDL cholesterol level: - 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease - 40-59 mg/dL is considered borderline low - Less than 40 mg/dL is considered low
Some key risk factors that can raise your LDL cholesterol levels include:
- Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats - Being overweight or obese - Physical inactivity - Smoking - Diabetes - Age (levels tend to rise as you get older) - Family history
High cholesterol usually doesn't have any obvious symptoms. The only way to know if your cholesterol levels are high is to get tested. This is why regular cholesterol screening is important, especially if you have other risk factors.
If you're concerned about your cholesterol levels, Hormone Harmony offers comprehensive cholesterol testing and treatment plans to help get your levels in check. Their expert physicians will evaluate your cholesterol profile, risk factors, and medical history to create a customized program for you. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management, along with medication if needed. Don't wait - call Hormone Harmony today to schedule your cholesterol screening!