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, having too much bad cholesterol can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol - Known as "bad" cholesterol, high LDL levels can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This ups your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol - Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver so it doesn't build up in arteries. High HDL levels may lower heart disease risk.
When getting your cholesterol checked, it's ideal to have:
- An LDL level less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
- An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, our expert physicians help patients optimize their cholesterol levels through customized treatment plans including lifestyle changes, supplements, and hormone optimization. Ask about our heart health programs today!
What affects cholesterol levels?
Many factors can impact the amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol in your blood, including:
- Diet - Saturated and trans fats may raise LDL levels. Fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies and whole grains may lower LDL.
- Weight - Excess weight strains your heart and often raises LDL while lowering HDL.
- Physical activity - Exercise boosts HDL and helps manage weight.
- Smoking - Lowers HDL and increases artery damage that can raise LDL.
- Age/gender - LDL tends to rise in men after age 45 and women after menopause.
How to lower high cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, here are steps to help get it under control:
- Lose extra pounds and maintain healthy weight
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, sugar, and refined carbs
- Do 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking
- Take medications as prescribed to lower cholesterol
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation or other relaxation practices
Ask your doctor:
- What your cholesterol numbers mean
- What dietary changes may help lower high cholesterol
- Whether cholesterol medication is recommended
Knowing and controlling your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of developing heart disease down the road. Our caring physicians at Hormone Harmony Clinic provide individualized treatment plans to help patients optimize cholesterol and live longer, healthier lives. (male-hormone.org)