Cholesterol levels - Revive Health & Wellness

What is cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is an extremely important molecule and serves several functions. Some key points about cholesterol include:

• Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver and also comes from the foods we eat, mainly animal products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy
• There are two main types of cholesterol:
  • LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in artery walls and increase risk of heart disease and stroke
  • HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that removes LDL cholesterol from artery walls
• Healthy levels of cholesterol are important to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Ideal cholesterol levels per major health organizations:
  • Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
  • LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
  • HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
• High cholesterol usually doesn't have any signs or symptoms. The only way to know if your levels are high is to get tested
• Lifestyle factors that help control high cholesterol include diet, exercise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight

Some key questions readers may have:

How do you know if you have high cholesterol?

Since high cholesterol doesn't produce any definitive symptoms, the best way to find out if you have high cholesterol is to visit your doctor and request a lipoprotein profile blood test. This simple blood test can measure total cholesterol levels, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Based on the results, your doctor can advise you on next steps to reach healthy cholesterol levels if needed.

What causes high cholesterol?

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol, including:

• Diet - eating foods high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Weight and inactivity
• Family genetics
• Underlying conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney disease
• Certain medications

The good news is high cholesterol can often be improved through lifestyle changes and does not always require medication. Work with your doctor on an appropriate treatment plan for your situation.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Controlling cholesterol is critical for protecting heart health. Visit Revive Health & Wellness for more information on maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.