Cholesterol levels - Renew Clinic

What is 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 main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol.
• HDL cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol.

Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. But HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries - which is why it's called the "good" kind!

So what are healthy cholesterol levels? Here's a quick guide:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is considered ideal. Between 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high. 240 mg/dL or more is high.
• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is ideal. 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high. 160 mg/dL or more is high.
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is good. Below 40 mg/dL (for men) or 50 mg/dL (for women) is low and raises heart disease risk.

There are a few key factors that affect your cholesterol levels:

• Diet - Eating lots of saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol. Focus on healthy fats like olive oil and avocados.
• Weight - Being overweight tends to increase LDL and lower HDL cholesterol. Losing extra pounds can help get your levels in check.
• Exercise - Regular physical activity helps boost HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL and triglycerides.
• Genetics - High cholesterol can run in families. Your genes can impact how your body produces and metabolizes cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight management. They may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. It's important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.

Ask your doctor if it's time to check your cholesterol! At Renew Clinic, our caring providers offer advanced cholesterol testing and work with you to optimize your heart health. Schedule an appointment today and take control of your cholesterol levels!

I hope this gives you a good overview on cholesterol - what it is, why it matters, healthy ranges to aim for, and how to manage it. Controlling cholesterol is key for protecting your ticker.