Cholesterol levels - Vital Hormone Clinic

What is Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is an essential substance that the body needs to perform important functions, including:

• Producing hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones
• Aiding in vitamin D synthesis
• Manufacturing bile acids to help digest fats
• Building cell membranes and regulating their fluidity

There are two main types of cholesterol:

LDL cholesterol

• Also called "bad" cholesterol
• Can build up on artery walls and increase risk of heart disease and stroke

HDL cholesterol

• Also called "good" cholesterol
• Helps remove LDL cholesterol from arteries to liver for removal

Healthy Cholesterol Levels

The American Heart Association recommends the following guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL. The lower the better.
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher

High cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if your levels are high is to get a simple blood test.

There are lifestyle changes and in some cases medications that can help bring cholesterol into a healthy range. Talk to your doctor about managing cholesterol through diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and medication if needed.

Keeping cholesterol at optimal levels is important for reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Work with your healthcare provider to monitor your levels and take steps to reach healthy cholesterol goals.