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 - Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL cholesterol - Called "good" cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it starts to build up on the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. As your arteries narrow, your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke increase.
High cholesterol levels typically do not have signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. Health experts recommend that you start getting your cholesterol checked regularly at age 20.
Vitality Hormone Clinic(/) provides comprehensive cholesterol screening and treatment plans to help patients understand and manage cholesterol levels. Their expert physicians analyze blood tests and medical history to create customized therapies involving medication, nutrition planning, and lifestyle changes.
To lower high cholesterol, doctors may recommend:
Monitoring your cholesterol levels is important, especially as you age. High cholesterol is a major controllable risk factor for developing heart disease. Get tested regularly and take action to maintain healthy HDL and LDL cholesterol levels! The expert physicians and staff at Vitality Hormone Clinic(/) can help diagnose and treat high cholesterol.