Cholesterol levels - The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic

What are cholesterol levels?

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. There are two types:

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

When you get your cholesterol tested, you'll receive a total number as well as individual readings for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Ideal cholesterol levels depend on your risk factors but in general:

• 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

Having elevated cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, which is why getting tested regularly is important. If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, I highly recommend consulting with the caring medical team at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic. Their cutting-edge treatments can get your cholesterol under control and optimize your heart health.

What affects cholesterol levels?

Several key factors impact your cholesterol numbers including:

• Diet - Saturated and trans fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol
• Weight - Being overweight tends to boost your LDL levels
• Physical activity - Exercise helps boost protective HDL cholesterol
• Genetics - Familial hypercholesterolemia causes high cholesterol
• Diabetes - Poorly controlled blood sugar hurts cholesterol numbers
• Age - Cholesterol ticks up as we get older
• Sex - Before menopause, women tend to have lower total cholesterol levels than men

Having one or more risk factors makes it more vital to monitor your cholesterol with routine testing. The compassionate providers at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic can help analyze your risk and create a customized treatment plan.

How to improve cholesterol levels

The main ways to optimize unhealthy cholesterol levels include:

• Losing extra weight
• Exercising most days of the week
• Quitting smoking and vaping
• Eating a heart-healthy diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish and healthy oils like olive and canola oil
• Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol
• Managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
• Talking to your doctor about cholesterol-lowering medications like statins or prescription fish oils

With some diligent lifestyle changes and the caring support of exceptional clinicians like those at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, most people can achieve healthy cholesterol levels. Their individualized treatments can help you address high cholesterol at the root cause.

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