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:
When you get your cholesterol tested, your doctor will look at these numbers:
High LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Below are healthy level ranges:
So what affects cholesterol levels? Diet and lifestyle factors like:
If your doctor says you need to lower your cholesterol, steps like diet changes, exercise, weight loss, or medication may help. Consider reaching out to our knowledgeable clinicians at Renew Hormone Clinic to develop a customized plan to get your cholesterol on track!
Other things to know about cholesterol testing:
Ask your doctor if you should be tested or retested more often based on health conditions and family history. Finding and treating any issues early makes a big difference!
I hope this gives a helpful overview of the key things to know about cholesterol levels - let me know if you have any other questions! Our staff at Renew Hormone Clinic is always happy to provide more guidance on maintaining optimal cholesterol and overall health.