Cholesterol levels

What are 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 start to build up on the walls of your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. It can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

• LDL cholesterol is considered the "bad" kind. It carries cholesterol from your liver through your bloodstream and can cause deposits to form on artery walls.


• HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries to your liver, where it is flushed from your body. So HDL is considered "good" cholesterol.


• Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. High levels may increase your risk for heart disease.

Here are guideline levels for adults:

• Total cholesterol - Desirable is less than 200 mg/dL. Borderline high is 200-239 mg/dL.


• LDL cholesterol - Optimal is less than 100 mg/dL. Near optimal is 100-129 mg/dL.


• HDL cholesterol - Low is less than 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women). High is 60 mg/dL or higher. This is protective against heart disease.


• Triglycerides - Normal is less than 150 mg/dL. Borderline high is 150-199 mg/dL.

You can lower your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes:

• Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats


• Increase soluble fiber


• Lose excess weight


• Quit smoking


• Increase physical activity

In some cases, medication may also be needed to reach target cholesterol levels. Statins are a commonly prescribed medicine used for lowering high cholesterol.

Troubled by high cholesterol levels? The caring medical team at Vitality Wellness Clinic can help get your numbers on track. We provide cutting-edge diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique health needs. Contact us today to take control of your heart health!