Cholesterol levels - Rejuvenate HRT Clinic

What is Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. It plays important roles in hormone production, digestion, and vitamin D synthesis. However, high levels of certain types of cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

There are a few key things to understand about cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol is considered the "bad" kind. It contributes to a buildup of plaque in your arteries that can block blood flow. The optimal level for LDL is under 100 mg/dL.
• HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. HDL levels above 60 mg/dL are considered protective.
• Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood that should be under 150 mg/dL for heart health.

Your total blood cholesterol number includes all these different particles together. A total under 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, while a reading of 240 mg/dL or higher indicates high cholesterol.

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is usually caused by lifestyle factors like:

• Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcohol excessively

For some people, high cholesterol runs in their family due to genetic factors. Age, gender, and ethnicity can also impact cholesterol levels.

How to lower cholesterol naturally

Some ways to lower high cholesterol without medication include:

• Losing extra weight
• Exercising for 30-60 minutes most days
• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Choosing lean protein sources like fish, beans, and low-fat dairy
• Avoiding trans fats found in fried, processed foods

Making healthy long-term changes to your lifestyle is the best way to manage cholesterol. But for some people with very elevated levels, cholesterol-lowering medications may also be recommended by a doctor at Rejuvenate HRT Clinic.

Getting your cholesterol checked at annual physical exams and understanding your numbers is key! Let me know if you have any other questions.