Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all of the cells in our bodies. It plays an important role in many of the body's functions, including hormone production and helping to build healthy cells, but having too much of certain types of cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease and stroke.
There are a few different types of cholesterol to be aware of when we talk about cholesterol levels:
- LDL cholesterol - Often called "bad" cholesterol because having high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and increase your risk of cardiovascular problems.
- HDL cholesterol - Referred to as "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver where it can be removed from your body. Higher levels are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Triglycerides - A form of fat found in our blood. Excess calories, alcohol, sugary foods, and being overweight can all increase triglyceride levels.
When you get your
cholesterol tested, your doctor will give you a full lipid profile which shows your levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. They'll assess your risk based on your levels as well as other cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure, smoking status, age, and family history.
So what are normal and optimal cholesterol levels? Here are the general guidelines according to the American Heart Association:
- Total cholesterol - Ideal is under 200 mg/dL. Borderline high is 200-239 mg/dL. Over 240 mg/dL is considered high.
- LDL cholesterol - Optimal is under 100 mg/dL. Near optimal is 100-129 mg/dL. Borderline high is 130-159 mg/dL. Over 160 mg/dL is considered high.
- HDL cholesterol - Under 40 mg/dL for men and under 50 mg/dL for women is considered a major risk factor. Over 60 mg/dL helps lower your risk for heart disease.
- Triglycerides - Ideal is under 150 mg/dL. Borderline high is 150-199 mg/dL. High levels are 200-499 mg/dL. Very high is over 500 mg/dL.
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like adopting a healthier diet, losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. They may also prescribe
cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. The goal is to lower your LDL levels and raise your HDL levels to move you into a lower risk category.
We encourage anyone concerned about their cholesterol levels or risk for cardiovascular disease to schedule a heart health assessment at
Hormone Harmony. Our caring medical team can provide testing, counseling, customized treatment plans including pharmaceutical
options and
therapies to help manage high cholesterol and support overall wellness. Call us today at 555-0123 for an appointment! We're here to help you take control of your heart health.