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:
When you get your cholesterol tested, results typically include:
| Cholesterol Type | Desirable 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 |
High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. But the good news is that high cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.
Here are some ways to help lower your cholesterol:
| Lifestyle Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Eat a heart-healthy diet | Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and lean meats. Avoid trans fats, saturated fats, and limit sugar and salt. |
| Exercise regularly | Aim for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training can help boost HDL cholesterol. |
| Lose weight | Carrying extra pounds raises your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even losing 5-10% of your body weight can improve cholesterol numbers. |
| Quit smoking | Quitting smoking can raise HDL cholesterol levels. |
| Limit alcohol | Drinking too much alcohol can trigger high triglycerides. |
| Consider cholesterol medication | If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications like statins may be prescribed to help lower LDL or raise HDL cholesterol. |
As we age, cholesterol levels rise. So it's important to have your cholesterol checked regularly, starting at age 20. Based on your personal and family history and your cholesterol test results, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, make an appointment with Restorative Health Center. Our caring medical team can assess your individual risk, provide nutrition and lifestyle counseling, prescribe medication if needed, and work closely with you to optimize your heart health. We are dedicated to helping you take control of your cholesterol and live your healthiest life.
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. By understanding the different types of cholesterol, getting regular check-ups, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels. If you need additional support, the experienced medical professionals at Restorative Health Center are ready to help you on your journey to better heart health.