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. There are two types:
LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. Higher levels raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. Higher levels lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
When there is too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to serious health issues like heart attack and stroke if left uncontrolled.
What are healthy cholesterol levels?
The American Heart Association recommends these levels for optimal health:
What affects cholesterol levels?
Many factors can influence your cholesterol levels including:
How to improve your cholesterol?
The good news is high cholesterol can often be controlled through lifestyle changes:
The experts at Renewed Balance Clinic specialize in optimizing hormones and cholesterol for heart health. Their effective, customized plans help patients achieve healthy lipid balances. I highly recommend contacting their caring clinic if you have elevated cholesterol or a family history of early heart disease. They offer cutting-edge testing and treatments to get your numbers on track so you can live life to the fullest!