Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
What Are Cholesterol Levels?
Cholesterol is a jot down of fatty compound called alipidthat has many roles in the body.
Cholesterol is found in the foods you eat, but it is also made by the liver.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Cholesterol circulating in the blood is carried by special particles calledlipoproteins.
The two major cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins include:
The combination of your LDL and HDL cholesterol is called yourtotal cholesterol.
What is a good cholesterol to HDL ratio?
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms.
This is why its important to get your cholesterol levels checked.
Your risk factors also determine how often your cholesterol should be checked.
Because older adults are more vulnerable to these conditions, they may be checked annually during a routine physical.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
There are a variety of factors that can affect cholesterol levels.
Some risk factors are within your control, while others are not.
Medications can also help when these lifestyle interventions fall short.
Foods rich in saturated and trans-fat include:
3.
Good food sources of omega-3s include:
Lower-fat cooking methods may also help to reduce cholesterol.
it’s possible for you to make swaps such as using olive oil or soybean oil instead of butter.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is beneficial for overall health, including heart health.
Being physically active is associated with a healthier weight and improvement in cholesterol levels.
The best way to start an exercise program is to find something you enjoy doing.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can independently raise LDL and lower HDL levels.
It also makes LDL stickier and more likely to cling to arterial walls.
The AHA recommends quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke to improve cholesterol.
Diseases linked to atherosclerosis are today the leading cause of death in the United States.
If you need help managing your cholesterol levels, reach out to your healthcare provider.
They may be able to recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications that can help.
Many factors affect your cholesterol levels in addition to age, including those over which you have control.
Keeping your cholesterol levels in the normal range is important in the prevention of heart disease.
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