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 the foods you eat.
If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your blood vessels. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your blood vessels or even block them. High levels of cholesterol increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
Here are ideal cholesterol level ranges:
Diet and lifestyle changes are the first line of defense for improving cholesterol levels. Losing extra weight, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all help boost HDL and lower LDL.
If cholesterol targets can't be reached with lifestyle changes alone, cholesterol-lowering medications may be an option. At Vital Hormone Clinic, our physicians create customized treatment plans to help patients optimize their cholesterol levels. We offer nutrition counseling, fitness consultations, smoking cessation support, and prescription medications when needed.
High cholesterol has no obvious symptoms. The only way to know your numbers is to get your cholesterol checked. This simple blood test should be part of your regular health screening, starting by early adulthood.
Knowing and controlling your cholesterol levels reduces your risk for cardiovascular problems down the road. Don't wait - talk to your doctor and take charge of your heart health today! The compassionate medical team at Vital Hormone Clinic is here to help every step of the way.