Cholesterol levels - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What are Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two types:

LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries (atherosclerosis). This increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

HDL cholesterol does the opposite. It carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.

Why do Cholesterol Levels Matter?

Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is important for heart health. High total cholesterol levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Eventually, this narrows your arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through.

Here are healthy cholesterol level ranges:

Cholesterol Type	Ideal Range (mg/dL)	Borderline High (mg/dL)	High (mg/dL)	Very High (mg/dL)
Total Cholesterol	Less than 200	200-239	240 and above	-
LDL Cholesterol	Less than 100	130-159	160-189	190 and above
HDL Cholesterol	40 or higher for men, 50 or higher for women	-	-	-
Triglycerides	Less than 150	-	-	-

What Affects Cholesterol Levels?

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

Diet - Saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Limit foods like red meat, dairy, fried foods, and baked goods made with trans fats.
Weight - Being overweight tends to increase your LDL and triglycerides and lower HDL. Losing extra pounds can help get your cholesterol in a healthier zone.
Exercise - Being physically active can lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. Aim for 30-60 minutes most days.
Smoking - Smoking damages the walls of your arteries, leading to a buildup of plaque.
Medications - Certain drugs used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can influence levels.
Age/gender - Total and LDL cholesterol tend to rise as we age. Prior to menopause, women tend to have lower levels than men.
Genetics - High cholesterol can run in families.

How to Lower High Cholesterol?

Here are some ways to lower high cholesterol through lifestyle changes:

Lifestyle Change	Description
Heart-healthy diet	Follow a diet low in saturated and trans fats
Exercise	Engage in physical activity most days of the week
Weight loss	Lose extra weight to improve cholesterol levels
Quit smoking	Smoking cessation can help reduce plaque buildup
Limit alcohol	Moderate alcohol consumption to maintain healthy cholesterol
Reduce stress	Managing stress can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels

If lifestyle changes alone don't lower high cholesterol enough, cholesterol-lowering medications like statins may be prescribed. Treatments can help reduce plaque buildup and inflammation, lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Conclusion

The team at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help develop a customized cholesterol management plan for you. By making lifestyle changes and working closely with healthcare professionals, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels and improve your overall heart health. Don't hesitate to take proactive steps towards a healthier future.