Cholesterol levels - Renew Hormone 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. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol - Having high levels of LDL cholesterol leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This buildup is called "plaque." Plaque narrows arteries and makes them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.
• HDL cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol - HDL carries cholesterol away from your arteries and back to your liver, where it can be processed and removed from your body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

When getting your cholesterol tested, results typically include:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Non-HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides (another form of fat in your blood)

What cholesterol levels are considered healthy? As per the (/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol):

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable
• LDL cholesterol: Levels of 100-129 mg/dL are ideal
• HDL cholesterol: Levels of 60 mg/dL and higher help lower heart disease risk
• Triglycerides: Levels below 150 mg/dL are ideal

If your levels fall outside these ranges, consider getting tested at Renew Hormone Clinic. Our qualified physicians can help you understand your cholesterol panel results and offer tips to help optimize your cholesterol through diet, exercise, and when necessary, medication. Ask about our heart health packages today!

There are often no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to know if your cholesterol levels are optimal is to get tested, ideally once a year if levels are normal or more often if dealing with high cholesterol.

Factors that influence cholesterol levels include:

• Diet - Saturated and trans fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol levels.
• Weight - Excess weight typically increases unhealthy cholesterol levels.
• Physical activity - Exercise helps boost HDL cholesterol while removing LDL cholesterol.
• Smoking - Lowers HDL cholesterol levels.
• Genetics - High cholesterol can run in families.
• Age and sex - Levels naturally rise as we age; women under 50 tend to have lower totals than men.

Ask your doctor if testing or treatment is recommended based on your personal risk factors. Protect your heart health by understanding your cholesterol panel numbers. Consider scheduling an appointment with our knowledgeable physicians at Renew Hormone Clinic if you have any questions or concerns.

I hope this overview on cholesterol levels and testing provides useful information! Let me know if you have any other questions.