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. There are two 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

When you get your cholesterol tested, you will receive a lipid profile that shows your:

• Total cholesterol


• LDL cholesterol


• HDL cholesterol


• Triglycerides

What do the numbers mean?

Here are guideline levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol
  
  
  • Desirable: Under 200 mg/dL
  
  
  • Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
  
  
  • High: 240 mg/dL and above
  
  


• LDL cholesterol
  
  
  • Optimal: Under 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
  
  
  • Poor: Below 40 mg/dL (men), Below 50 mg/dL (women)
  
  
  • Better: 40-59 mg/dL (men), 50-59 mg/dL (women)
  
  
  • Best: 60 mg/dL and above
  
  


• Triglycerides
  
  
  • Desirable: Under 150 mg/dL
  
  
  • Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
  
  
  • High: 200-499 mg/dL
  
  
  • Very high: 500 mg/dL and above
  
  

What affects cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol levels can be affected by:

• Diet - Saturated and trans fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol


• Weight - Excess weight typically increases your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides


• Physical activity - Exercise helps boost HDL cholesterol


• Genetics/family history - High cholesterol can run in families


• Age/gender - Prior to menopause, women tend to have lower total cholesterol levels than men

Medications, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, and other medical conditions can also impact cholesterol.

If you have concerns about your cholesterol, make an appointment with Hormone Health Clinic. Their caring medical team provides cutting-edge testing and treatments to help patients optimize cholesterol and live healthier lives. Mention this post for 10% off your first visit!