Cholesterol levels - Human Antiaging Center

What is cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's 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 types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein.
• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein.

When you get your cholesterol checked, you'll get a cholesterol profile that shows your:

• Total cholesterol level
• LDL cholesterol level
• HDL cholesterol level
• Triglycerides level

What do cholesterol numbers mean?

Here are ideal levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol - below 200 mg/dL is considered desirable
• LDL cholesterol - below 100 mg/dL is optimal
• HDL cholesterol - 60 mg/dL and above helps lower heart disease risk
• Triglycerides - below 150 mg/dL is considered normal

The higher your LDL and total cholesterol levels, the greater your risk for heart disease and stroke. Meanwhile, low HDL also raises your risk. High triglycerides combined with high LDL or low HDL further increase your risk.

How to improve cholesterol levels

Here are some tips to maintain healthy cholesterol levels:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet - Emphasize fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar.
• Lose extra pounds - Excess weight strains your heart and worsens cholesterol levels. Even a small loss can help.
• Get moving - Regular physical activity can help lower LDL and raise HDL. Aim for 30 minutes a day.
• Quit smoking - Cigarette smoking damages blood vessels and raises LDL. Quitting can improve HDL.
• Limit alcohol - Heavy drinking can increase triglycerides and blood pressure.
• Consider supplements - Talk to your doctor about omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements.
• Manage conditions - Treating high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid problems can improve cholesterol.

If lifestyle changes alone don't improve high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medication. Options include statins, niacin, bile acid resins and others.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor for a cholesterol test if you're a man over 35 or woman over 45. Testing may be recommended earlier if you have risk factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or a family history of early heart disease.

At Human Antiaging Center, our experts specialize in holistic solutions for cholesterol management. We offer advanced lipid testing as well as customized nutrition and fitness programs. Contact us today for a free consultation on lowering your cholesterol naturally!

Following a healthy lifestyle and getting regular cholesterol checks are important ways to keep your levels in check. Work with your doctor to determine your cholesterol goals and make sure you're on target to optimal heart health. Small changes can make a big difference!