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 join with other substances in the blood to build up in the inner walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them.

High cholesterol levels raise your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly a third of U.S. adults have high levels of bad cholesterol.

• LDL cholesterol - is considered "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries


• HDL cholesterol - is considered "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver which removes it from your body


• Triglycerides - a form of fat found in your blood

The table below shows ideal cholesterol levels for good heart health:

|Type|Ideal Level|
|-|-|
|Total cholesterol|Less than 200 mg/dL|
|LDL cholesterol|Less than 100 mg/dL|
|HDL cholesterol|60 mg/dL or higher|
|Triglycerides|Less than 150 mg/dL|

Ways to Improve Cholesterol Levels

Here are some tips to help improve your cholesterol levels:

• Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats


• Increase intake of foods with soluble fiber


• Lose extra pounds and maintain healthy weight


• Quit smoking and limit alcohol


• Increase physical activity

Studies show making lifestyle changes can improve cholesterol levels and heart health. Medications may also be recommended for some people to help manage high LDL or triglyceride levels.

If you're concerned about your cholesterol levels, make an appointment to get tested. Knowing your numbers is key.