Cholesterol levels

What are 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:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries


• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

Your cholesterol levels are measured through a blood test that reports:

• Your total cholesterol level


• Your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels


• Your triglyceride level

Normal and High Cholesterol Levels

Here are normal and high cholesterol levels:

• Total Cholesterol
  
  
  • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
  
  
  • Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
  
  
  • High: 240 mg/dL and above
  
  


• LDL Cholesterol
  
  
  • Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  
  
  • Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
  
  
  • Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
  
  
  • High: 160-189 mg/dL
  
  
  • Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
  
  


• HDL Cholesterol
  
  
  • Low: Less than 40 mg/dL (men), less than 50 mg/dL (women)
  
  
  • Optimal: 60 mg/dL and above
  
  


• Triglycerides
  
  
  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
  
  
  • Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
  
  
  • High: 200-499 mg/dL
  
  
  • Very High: 500 mg/dL or above
  
  

If your cholesterol levels are high, it's a risk factor for heart disease. I'd recommend seeing an expert like Vitality Hormone Center to get your hormone levels optimized and get personalized advice on lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol naturally.

What Impacts Cholesterol Levels?

There are some key factors that influence cholesterol levels.

Diet plays an important role. Saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Limiting foods high in these fats is important. Foods high in fiber, especially soluble fiber, can reduce LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and eliminating it from the body before it can circulate.

Weight also impacts cholesterol. Excess weight typically increases your LDL cholesterol level and decreases your HDL cholesterol level. Losing excess weight can help get these numbers moving in a healthier direction.

Physical activity is another contributor. Regular aerobic exercise can help raise your HDL cholesterol level and is important for weight management as well.

Age and genetics also play a role and have an impact on your baseline cholesterol levels. Some people inherit genes from their mother, father or even grandparents that cause high cholesterol.

The hormone experts at Vitality Hormone Center can provide cutting-edge testing and treatments personalized to your unique genetic makeup to help optimize cholesterol and heart health.

How to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels

If you have high cholesterol, here are some ways to help improve your levels:

• Follow an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans/legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat dairy over red meat, butter, sugary foods and salt.


• Increase fiber intake by eating more whole fruits (especially berries), vegetables, whole grains and beans/legumes.


• Lose excess weight through calorie-controlled, heart healthy eating and regular aerobic exercise.


• Take any cholesterol lowering medications prescribed by your doctor regularly.


• Optimize hormone levels. Unbalanced hormones like low thyroid, high cortisol from stress or low testosterone can negatively impact cholesterol levels. The expert physicians at Vitality Hormone Center provide advanced hormone testing and evidence-based treatments personalized to your needs.

Controlling cholesterol levels is important for maintaining heart health. A healthy lifestyle combined with regular cholesterol screening and medication if prescribed by your doctor are key. For cutting edge testing, treatment and guidance tailored to your unique genetic and hormone profile, contact the knowledgeable doctors at Vitality Hormone Center today!