Understanding Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a term we often hear in the context of health, but what exactly is it and why does it matter so much? Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in every cell of your body. It’s essential for making hormones and building cell membranes, but when levels get out of balance, it can pose serious health risks. When cholesterol levels are too high, it can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow. This can increase your risk of heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular problems.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into what cholesterol is and how it affects your body. We'll also explore what constitutes healthy cholesterol levels, and when to get your cholesterol checked. By understanding these aspects, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your heart health and take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. It’s not inherently bad; your body actually needs cholesterol to build cells, produce certain hormones and make vitamin D. The liver produces all the cholesterol your body requires, but you also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially animal-based products like meat, dairy and eggs.

Often dubbed the "bad" cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol from your liver to your arteries, where it can build up and form plaque. Over time, this plaque can narrow your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Known as the "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, transporting it back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from your body.

While not a type of cholesterol, triglycerides are another type of fat in your body that can impact cholesterol levels. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells and used for energy. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need immediately into triglycerides, which are then transported to your fat cells for storage.

If you’ve ever had a cholesterol test (often called a lipid panel), you’ve seen a set of numbers that can seem overwhelming at first. Let’s break them down:

• Total Cholesterol: This number represents the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL and HDL cholesterol. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL.
• LDL Cholesterol: Aim for a level less than 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100-129 mg/dL are near optimal, but higher levels (130 mg/dL and above) may require lifestyle changes or medication.
• HDL Cholesterol: Higher numbers are better. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher is considered protective against heart disease. If your HDL is below 40 mg/dL for men or 50 mg/dL for women, it’s time to take action.
• Triglycerides: High levels (150 mg/dL and above) can contribute to the hardening of your arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Your health care provider will assess these numbers alongside other factors, such as your age, family history and lifestyle habits, to determine your overall risk for heart disease and whether any intervention is needed.

Cholesterol levels naturally fluctuate with age, and what’s considered normal can vary depending on your stage of life. Understanding how these levels change can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your heart health.

Here’s a breakdown of normal cholesterol levels by age, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides:

Key points to consider:

• Children and Adolescents: In children and teenagers, lower cholesterol levels are generally preferred to help set the foundation for heart health later in life. It’s important to encourage healthy eating habits and regular physical activity early on.
• Young Adults: As you enter adulthood, your cholesterol levels should remain within the healthy ranges established during adolescence. Regular screening becomes important in this age group, especially if there are risk factors like a family history of high cholesterol.
• Middle-Age Adults: During your 40s and 50s, cholesterol levels can begin to rise naturally. This is a critical time to monitor your levels and make lifestyle adjustments as needed. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, staying active and managing stress are all essential.
• Older Adults: While some natural increase in cholesterol levels is expected as you age, it’s still crucial to keep your LDL cholesterol in check to reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular cholesterol checks and ongoing lifestyle management remain important.

Regular cholesterol screening is an essential part of maintaining your heart health. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six  years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

If you’re unsure about your cholesterol levels or haven’t had them checked in a while, now’s a great time to talk to your health care provider. They can guide you on when to get tested and how often you should monitor your levels.

At CHI Saint Joseph Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need guidance on lifestyle changes, medication management or just want to understand your cholesterol numbers better, our team of experts is ready to help. Your heart health is in your hands, and with the right information and support, you can live a longer, healthier life.

High cholesterol itself doesn’t cause symptoms, which is why it’s often referred to as a “silent” condition. Many people with high cholesterol don’t know they have it until they undergo a blood test. If high cholesterol leads to the buildup of plaque in your arteries (atherosclerosis), however, it can eventually cause symptoms related to heart disease, such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or in severe cases, heart attacks or strokes. Regular cholesterol screenings are crucial for detecting high cholesterol early, even if you don’t experience any symptoms.

Yes, it is possible to have high cholesterol and still feel generally healthy, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. High cholesterol can lead to serious health conditions over time, including heart disease and stroke, even if you don’t have immediate symptoms. A person may appear healthy on the outside, but the effects of high cholesterol can be developing silently in the arteries. That’s why it’s important to get regular cholesterol screenings and manage your levels proactively, regardless of how you feel.

Certain foods can contribute to higher cholesterol levels, particularly if they are high in saturated fats and trans fats. Foods that can raise cholesterol include:

• Red Meat: Beef, lamb and pork are high in saturated fats.
• Full-Fat Dairy Products: Whole milk, cheese and butter can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
• Fried Foods: Foods fried in oil, especially if the oil is reused or contains trans fats.
• Processed Foods: Many processed snacks and baked goods contain trans fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol.
• Certain Oils: Oils like palm and coconut oil, which are high in saturated fats.

Yes, certain foods can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Incorporate these heart-healthy foods into your diet:

• Oats and Barley: Rich in soluble fiber, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol.
• Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds contain healthy fats and fiber that can improve cholesterol levels.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, oranges and leafy greens are high in fiber and antioxidants that support heart health.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of soluble fiber and protein.
• Avocado: Contains monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.