What is cholesterol? 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 of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol. It can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. This is why it is called "bad" cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol level, the better. - HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. It carries LDL cholesterol back to your liver so your body can get rid of it. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
What causes high cholesterol? High cholesterol is mainly caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Things that can raise your cholesterol include:
- Eating saturated and trans fats found in fast food, fried food, and baked goods - Eating foods high in dietary cholesterol like egg yolks, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy - Being overweight or obese - Not exercising enough - Smoking cigarettes - Drinking alcohol excessively
Genetics can also play a role. Some people inherit genes from their mothers, fathers or even grandparents that cause them to have high cholesterol.
What are healthy cholesterol levels? Here are the recommended cholesterol levels for adults:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable - LDL (bad) cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal - HDL (good) cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher helps lower your risk for heart disease - Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is considered normal
What increases the risk of high cholesterol? Several factors can increase your risk of having unhealthy cholesterol levels, including:
- Age - Cholesterol levels rise as you get older - Gender - Before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men - Family history - High cholesterol can run in families - Poor diet - Eating lots of saturated fat and cholesterol - Lack of exercise - Being inactive causes cholesterol to rise - Obesity - Excess weight typically increases your cholesterol - Smoking - Can lower your good HDL cholesterol
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol? There are typically no obvious physical symptoms. That's why getting your cholesterol checked regularly is important. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries over time. This narrows your arteries and makes it more likely for blood clots to form. Blood clots can completely block blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.
How can I lower my cholesterol? Here are some ways to help lower your cholesterol:
- Lose weight and keep it off if overweight - Increase physical activity with at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week - Follow a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fat - Eat more fiber - aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily - Limit cholesterol from food to no more than 200 mg a day - Don't smoke cigarettes or vape - Take medication if prescribed by your doctor
Do I need cholesterol medication? If lifestyle changes are not enough to reach your cholesterol goals, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication like statins. These drugs can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels to help prevent heart disease. The Hormone Hub provides comprehensive cholesterol treatment including lifestyle modification advice and cholesterol medications if needed. Our integrative approach combines both traditional and natural therapies to optimize cholesterol levels while minimizing medication side effects. Contact us today to schedule a cholesterol assessment.
In summary, high cholesterol is a serious medical condition that increases the risk for heart disease. Knowing your cholesterol levels and controlling them through a heart-healthy lifestyle and medication if prescribed can help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Take charge of your health - get your cholesterol tested annually and take steps to keep it in the healthy range. Your heart will thank you!