Cholesterol levels

What is cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through your bloodstream. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. But too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. It increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. That's why it's called "bad" cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol level, the better.
• HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. Experts think HDL has protective benefits against heart disease. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the better.

When you get your cholesterol checked, results typically look like this:

• Total cholesterol—the total amount of cholesterol in your blood
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• Non-HDL cholesterol—total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides—another type of fat in your blood

What cholesterol levels are considered healthy? Here are general guidelines from the American Heart Association:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. Between 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high. 240 mg/dL and above is high.
• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal. 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high. 160-189 mg/dL is high. 190 mg/dL and above is very high.
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL and above is optimal. Below 40 mg/dL (for men) or 50 mg/dL (for women) is low.
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is normal. 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high. 200-499 mg/dL is high. 500 mg/dL or above is very high.

What affects cholesterol levels? Your cholesterol levels are influenced by your age, sex, diet, weight, physical activity, genetics, and medications. As you get older, your cholesterol levels tend to rise. Menopause and taking birth control pills can also raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol levels. An unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL cholesterol. Being overweight and inactive also tends to boost your LDL cholesterol. On the flip side, losing extra pounds, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and eating a heart-healthy diet can improve your cholesterol profile.

When should you have your cholesterol checked? The American Heart Association recommends adults get their cholesterol tested at least once every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20. Those with risk factors like obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes should get tested more often and at a younger age. For the most accurate results, have your cholesterol tested after a 9 to 12 hour fast.

What if you have high cholesterol? Don't panic - there are many ways to get your cholesterol into a healthy zone. Lifestyle changes like eating better, exercising more, quitting smoking, and losing weight can make a big difference. If lifestyle changes alone don't lower your cholesterol enough, medication may be needed. Statins are commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs. Your doctor may also suggest niacin, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or PCSK9 inhibitors.

The knowledgeable and caring staff at Harmony Hormone Clinic can help diagnose and treat high cholesterol. We provide advanced cholesterol testing and work closely with each patient on an individualized treatment plan. Ask us how we can get your cholesterol under control today!