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. But too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries."
LDL cholesterol is considered the "bad" kind. It can build up on the walls of your blood vessels and form plaque (a thick, hard deposit). This makes it harder for blood to flow properly and can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
HDL cholesterol helps remove excess LDL cholesterol from your arteries, so it is considered the "good" kind. Higher HDL is linked to lower chances of heart disease.
Your doctor can order a simple blood test called a lipid panel to measure your cholesterol levels, including total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol.
There are often no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. But over time it can increase your risk for heart disease. Factors that affect cholesterol levels include:
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight loss. If those aren't enough, medication may be needed. Statins are commonly prescribed and work well for most people to lower LDL cholesterol.
At Revive Hormone Institute, our expert physicians specialize in customized care plans to help patients optimize cholesterol and overall heart health. Contact us today to schedule your cholesterol screening and find out how our individualized programs can help you reach your health goals!