Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.
Having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to health issues. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it starts to build up on the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. As your arteries narrow, your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke rise.
When you get your cholesterol checked, you will get a report with numbers for:
Your total cholesterol number includes your LDL, HDL, and 20% of your triglyceride number.
| Type | Healthy Level | |-|-| | Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL | | LDL Cholesterol | Less than 100 mg/dL | | HDL Cholesterol | 60 mg/dL or higher | | Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL |
"Getting your cholesterol checked is important to understand your risk for heart disease. Work with your doctor to determine next steps if your levels are out of balance," said Dr. Linda Michaels, cardiologist at Balanced Hormones Center.
There are two ways to reach healthy cholesterol levels:
"We take a holistic approach to heart health at Balanced Hormones Center. In addition to advanced testing and personalized treatment plans, we offer nutrition coaching and fitness guidance to help patients reach their cholesterol goals," said Michaels.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol in your diet can help lower LDL and raise HDL. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols may also help block cholesterol absorption.
Overall, knowing your cholesterol levels is an important way to gauge your risk for heart disease. Work with your healthcare provider to maintain healthy cholesterol levels through routine testing and lifestyle changes. Reach out to the caring staff at Balanced Hormones Center to discuss advanced testing and science-based treatment plans tailored to your needs.