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. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.

If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood to form a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries


• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver

Recommended Cholesterol Levels

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides these guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels:

• Total cholesterol level: Less than 200 mg/dL


• LDL cholesterol level: Less than 100 mg/dL


• HDL cholesterol level: 60 mg/dL or higher

Improving Cholesterol Levels

There are several ways to help reach healthy cholesterol levels:

• Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats


• Exercise regularly


• Maintain a healthy weight


• Limit alcohol intake


• Quit smoking


• Take medications if prescribed by your doctor

Struggling with high cholesterol? The medical professionals at Optimized Hormones specialize in customized treatment plans to help patients reach their cholesterol goals. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.