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 those blood vessels. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a blood vessel gets blocked, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Key Things to Know About Cholesterol

• LDL cholesterol - Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your blood vessels, making them hard and narrow.


• HDL cholesterol - Called "good" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol carries LDL cholesterol back to the liver so your body can get rid of it. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol lower your risk for heart disease.


• Triglycerides - Another form of fat in your blood that can raise your risk for heart disease.

Checking Your Cholesterol Levels

The main way to check your cholesterol level is to get a lipoprotein profile blood test. This simple blood test requires only a small sample of blood and provides information on:

• Total cholesterol level


• LDL cholesterol level


• HDL cholesterol level


• Triglycerides level

The American Heart Association recommends adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. People with high cholesterol may need more frequent testing.

If your test shows elevated LDL or triglycerides, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. Improving your diet, exercising more, quitting smoking, and losing weight if needed can all help optimize cholesterol levels.

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Here is a recap of key information on understanding cholesterol levels:

• Cholesterol is needed for healthy body function


• Too much "bad" LDL cholesterol can clog blood vessels and lead to heart disease


• "Good" HDL cholesterol carries away excess LDL cholesterol


• Getting tested regularly helps track and manage cholesterol levels


• Lifestyle changes and medication can help lower high cholesterol

Let me know if you have any other questions!