Cholesterol levels

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.

If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood to form a thick, hard deposit (plaque) that can clog those blood vessels. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a blood vessel gets blocked, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

• LDL cholesterol - Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your blood vessels, making them hard and narrow.


• HDL cholesterol - Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your blood vessels.

Understanding Cholesterol Levels

When you get a cholesterol test, you'll receive three key numbers:

• Total cholesterol - Overall measure of LDL, HDL and other lipoproteins


• LDL cholesterol - "Bad" cholesterol


• HDL cholesterol - "Good" cholesterol

The American Heart Association recommends these levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL


• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL


• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher

If your numbers fall outside these ranges, consider making lifestyle changes or talk to your doctor about medications and supplements to help reach optimal cholesterol levels. The experts at Harmony Hormone Center can provide cutting-edge testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique health needs.

Tips to Improve Cholesterol

Here are some ways to lower high cholesterol or improve cholesterol levels:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains


• Choose lean protein sources like fish, beans and low-fat dairy


• Limit saturated and trans fats found in meat and fried foods


• Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates


• Maintain a healthy weight


• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol


• Increase physical activity to 30 minutes per day

Making lifestyle changes can go a long way toward improving cholesterol levels. But for some people, cholesterol-lowering medications like statins may also be necessary.

The hormone experts at Harmony Hormone Center can help diagnose the root cause of high cholesterol, whether it's lifestyle, genetic, or related to an underlying condition. Let us help you take control of your heart health! Book a consultation today.

I hope this overview on cholesterol levels and ways to optimize them has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.