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:
When you get your cholesterol tested, you'll get your levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood).
What do my cholesterol levels mean?
Here are guideline levels for adults:
High cholesterol symptoms usually don't appear until you have very high levels. But over time, elevated LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. That's why getting your cholesterol checked is important - you can take steps to improve your levels before any symptoms appear!
How can I improve my cholesterol levels?
The first line of defense is heart-healthy lifestyle changes like:
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications like statins may be prescribed to help lower LDL or raise HDL levels. At Vitality Renewal Clinic, our physicians create fully personalized plans to help patients optimize their cholesterol and overall health. We offer advanced testing and tailor treatments based on your unique health status and goals. Schedule a consultation today to learn more!
I hope this gives you a good overview of the basics around cholesterol levels! Let me know if you have any other questions.