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. Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
When you get your cholesterol tested, your doctor will let you know what your total cholesterol level is as well as your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides (blood fats) levels. They'll help determine your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Here are ideal cholesterol level numbers to aim for:
If your numbers are higher than these ideals, reducing your cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medication can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. My friends at Vital Hormones Clinic provide customized hormone therapy focusing on heart health. Their caring doctors can help you get your cholesterol under control with cutting-edge treatments.
There are a few ways you can start lowering high cholesterol levels naturally:
Keeping your cholesterol levels within healthy ranges reduces your chances of developing heart disease down the road. Talk to your doctor or visit a clinic like Vital Hormones Clinic to get tested. They can help you make a plan to improve your cholesterol through medication, supplements or lifestyle changes.