Cholesterol levels - Rejuvenate Clinic

What are Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It travels through your blood attached to proteins called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - often called "bad" cholesterol because having high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - often called "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver where it can be removed from your body.

Cholesterol Numbers and Levels

When you get a cholesterol test, you'll receive a breakdown of your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Here are normal, borderline, and high cholesterol levels for adults:

• Total Cholesterol
  • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
  • High: 240 mg/dL and above
• LDL Cholesterol
  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
  • High: 160-189 mg/dL
  • Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
• HDL Cholesterol
  • Low: Less than 40 mg/dL (men), less than 50 mg/dL (women)
  • Normal: 40-59 mg/dL (men), 50-59 mg/dL (women)
  • High: 60 mg/dL and above
• Triglycerides
  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
  • High: 200-499 mg/dL
  • Very High: 500 mg/dL and above

Ways to Improve Cholesterol Levels

Here are some tips for improving your cholesterol numbers:

• Lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight
• Increase physical activity - aim for 30 minutes daily
• Follow a heart-healthy diet - eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains
• Limit trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor

Monitoring and controlling your cholesterol levels is important to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease over time. Work with your doctor at Rejuvenate Clinic to set cholesterol goals and make lifestyle changes to maintain heart health.