Cholesterol levels - Vitality Wellness Center

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, also called "bad" cholesterol - LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
• HDL cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol - HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries.

When there is too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it starts to build up in your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Over time, plaque can grow large enough to narrow arteries or even block them.

High LDL cholesterol levels increase your chance of heart disease and stroke because if the arteries become clogged or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart and brain.

What Should My Cholesterol Levels Be?

The American Heart Association recommends these levels for adults ages 20 or older:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL. The lower your LDL, the better
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher helps lower risk of heart disease and stroke

Your doctor can do a simple blood test called a lipid profile to measure your cholesterol levels. This test measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood).

How Can I Improve My Cholesterol Levels?

Here are some ways to help improve cholesterol levels:

• Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats
• Increase omega-3 fatty acids from fish and plant sources
• Eat more fiber, especially soluble fiber from oats, legumes, and certain fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular physical activity
• Don't smoke cigarettes
• Take medication if prescribed by your doctor

Monitoring your cholesterol levels and making lifestyle changes if needed can go a long way in reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke down the road! Let me know if you have any other questions.