Cholesterol levels - Rejuvenate Health

What is Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two main types:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries
• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

Why Cholesterol Levels Matter

Your cholesterol levels are important because high LDL cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Over time, too much LDL cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque in your arteries, called atherosclerosis. This narrows your arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow.

• If a blood clot forms and blocks blood flow to your heart, it causes a heart attack.
• If a blood clot blocks blood flow to your brain, it causes an ischemic stroke.

The plaque buildup from high LDL can also lead to reduced blood flow in your legs, causing leg pain or other signs of peripheral artery disease.

Checking Your Cholesterol Levels

The main ways to check cholesterol levels are:

• Blood tests - This is the most common way. A blood sample is taken after 9-12 hours of fasting to get an accurate reading.
• Home tests - Some home cholesterol tests analyze a small blood sample from your finger. They can give you quick results but may not be as accurate.

Experts recommend all adults age 20 or over have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Those with high cholesterol may need more frequent testing.

Some groups should start getting their cholesterol checked earlier, such as people with obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Ideal Cholesterol Levels

There are target cholesterol levels based on your risk of heart disease:

• Total cholesterol - Below 200 mg/dL is considered desirable. Between 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high. 240 mg/dL and over is high.
• LDL cholesterol - Below 100 mg/dL is optimal. 100-129 mg/dL is acceptable for low-risk groups but still high for those at risk of heart disease. 130 mg/dL and over is considered high.
• HDL cholesterol - 60 mg/dL and above helps lower heart disease risk. Below 40 mg/dL (for men) and 50 mg/dL (for women) is concerning.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood that should be below 150 mg/dL.

Levels can vary by age, gender, family history, and other factors. So optimal cholesterol ranges are individualized. Your doctor will tell you your goal levels.

Improving Cholesterol Levels

The main ways to lower high cholesterol are:

• Heart-healthy eating - Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol in your diet. Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and nuts.
• Regular exercise
• Losing extra weight
• Quitting smoking
• Medications - Statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed if lifestyle changes alone don't help.

Keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels reduces your chances of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and related complications. Track your levels and control high cholesterol to protect your health.

Let me know if you have any other questions!