What is 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 main types of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol: This is often called the "bad" cholesterol because having high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke. LDL carries cholesterol from your liver to cells that need it.
- HDL cholesterol: Also known as "good" cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Higher levels of HDL can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
What do cholesterol level numbers mean?
When you get your cholesterol tested, you will get a few key numbers:
- Total cholesterol - This is the sum of your LDL, HDL, and 20% of your triglyceride level. A healthy level is under 200 mg/dL.
- LDL cholesterol - For optimal health, keep your LDL under 100 mg/dL. Under 70 mg/dL is considered excellent.
- HDL cholesterol - Higher levels of HDL are better. Aim for at least 60 mg/dL to help lower your risk of heart disease.
High total and LDL cholesterol puts you at greater risk for plaques and blockages in your arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The higher your HDL level, the better in terms of heart health.
What affects cholesterol levels?
Many factors can influence cholesterol levels, including:
- Diet - Saturated and trans fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol. Minimizing these and eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains can improve cholesterol.
- Weight - Being overweight tends to increase LDL and lower HDL cholesterol. Losing weight can help get these numbers in a healthier zone.
- Exercise - Being physically active can raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
- Genetics - Some people inherit genes from their parents that make them more likely to have higher cholesterol.
- Medications - Certain drugs used to treat other health issues can also affect cholesterol levels.
By understanding your cholesterol numbers and what influences them, you can make smart lifestyle choices to keep your levels within healthy ranges. This helps lower your risk for heart disease as you age. Monitoring cholesterol along with blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors is an important part of caring for your long-term health.
Let me know if you have any other questions!