The Basics of Understanding Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

The Basics of Understanding Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever had a blood test to check your cholesterol levels, you may have heard your doctor discuss whether your numbers are within the desired range. However, understanding what cholesterol is and how it can affect your health is crucial to making informed decisions about your overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know about the basics of cholesterol.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood and cells that’s produced naturally by your body. It’s essential for cell membrane structure and function, hormone production, and digestion. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need, but you can also get it from foods such as eggs, meat, and cheese.

There are two types of cholesterol in your blood:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. LDL can build up on the walls of your arteries over time and form plaque that can narrow your arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease.

2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – often called “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood and arteries, taking it to your liver for processing and elimination.

Why Is Cholesterol Important?

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is an essential part of managing your overall health. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, high levels of HDL cholesterol can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

When it comes to managing your cholesterol levels, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can make a significant difference. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins to help lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers

Your doctor will typically order a blood test to check your cholesterol levels and look at your results in terms of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Here’s what your results may indicate:

1. Total cholesterol levels:

– Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL
– Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL
– High: 240 mg/dL and above

2. LDL cholesterol levels:

– Desirable: less than 100 mg/dL
– Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL
– High: 160 mg/dL and above

3. HDL cholesterol levels:

– Poor: less than 40 mg/dL
– Good: 60 mg/dL and above

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the basics of cholesterol is crucial to making informed decisions about your overall health. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary, can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your cholesterol levels or need help developing a plan to manage them.

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