Managing your cholesterol levels doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Learning more about what cholesterol is and how you can keep it at healthy levels is an important step in keeping your heart healthy.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all your body's cells. Think of it as an essential building material that helps your body make vitamins, hormones, and chemicals that keep everything running smoothly. It also helps build the outer walls of your cells, keeping them healthy and strong.
Your liver makes most of your cholesterol and sends it through your bloodstream to where it's needed. It is important to remember that cholesterol isn't bad for you, and your body actually needs it to function properly. Problems only arise when you have too much cholesterol.
There are two main types of cholesterol you should know about:
- HDL (High-density lipoprotein) – often called "good" cholesterol
- LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) – often called "bad" cholesterol
When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it can combine with other substances in your blood to form plaque - a sticky buildup that can clog your arteries. This plaque can narrow or block the arteries leading to your heart, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and other serious problems.
How to test for cholesterol
Your doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) will use a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. This test measures both LDL and HDL cholesterol in your blood. How often you need this test depends on your individual risk factors. Here are a few of the most common risk factors that may require more frequent testing:
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Excess weight
- Smoking
- Limited physical activity
- Eating foods high in saturated fats
You are considered to have a healthy cholesterol level if your:
- Total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL •
- LDL ("bad") cholesterol is below 100 mg/dL
- HDL ("good") cholesterol is above 40 mg/dL for men, above 50 mg/dL for women
Remember, these are general guidelines. Your doctor or App will help you determine the right targets for your specific situation as well as how often to have it checked.
Managing your cholesterol levels
Many factors can affect your cholesterol level, including your age, gender, family history, ethnicity, weight, medications, and other health conditions. While you can't control all these factors, there's plenty you can do to keep your cholesterol in a healthy range.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity helps boost your good cholesterol and lower your bad cholesterol.
- Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats. For more information, check out our blogs on health eating - Finding Your Balance with the Mediterranean Diet and How the DASH Diet Can Help Lower Your High Blood Pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even losing a few pounds can make a difference in your cholesterol levels.
If it has been more than a year since your cholesterol levels were checked or you want help to create a plan to manage them, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or APP. They can make sure you're getting tested regularly and work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and health needs.
Taking control of your cholesterol is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health.
* An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.