Cholesterol levels

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. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from foods derived from animals, such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, egg yolks, and butter.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol - Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol builds up on the walls of your blood vessels forming plaque. This plaque buildup causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke.


• HDL cholesterol - Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol carries LDL cholesterol back to your liver so it doesn't build up in your blood vessels. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the better.

When getting your cholesterol checked, it's important to fast for 9-12 hours beforehand for accurate baseline results. Ideal cholesterol levels are:

• 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

If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may prescribe statin medications. Lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can also help improve cholesterol levels.

At Vital Hormones Clinic, our experts provide cutting-edge hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle therapies to help patients naturally optimize cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks. Contact us today for a consultation!

Here are some common questions about cholesterol levels:

What foods help lower cholesterol?

Foods that help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol include oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, nuts, olive oil, apples, grapes, and fatty fish like salmon. Including these cholesterol-lowering foods as part of a balanced diet can help improve cholesterol levels.

How often should I get my cholesterol checked?

The American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years starting at age 20. Those with high cholesterol or other risk factors like diabetes or a family history of early heart disease should get tested more frequently.