Most people are familiar with cholesterol and the health problems that can arise when levels become too high. However, this is only a small part of the picture. Cholesterol is found throughout your body and helps build cell membranes, produce hormones, produce vitamin D, and support digestion.
Confusion arises when considering the different types of cholesterol and their impact on heart health. Beverly Hills, California, residents seeking to manage their cholesterol levels can rely on the expertise of Dr. Shawn Veiseh and his experienced medical staff for guidance.
People who struggle with hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, should be concerned about their health. In this month’s blog, we explore the reasons why and what you can do to control your risk factors and avoid complications.
First, let’s go over the different types of cholesterol:
Short for low-density lipoprotein and considered the bad form of cholesterol, LDL is responsible for the buildup of fatty materials in your veins, arteries, and blood vessels that lead to various cardiovascular problems.
Very low-density lipoproteins are another form of bad cholesterol and carry deposits that lead to artery blockage.
High-density lipoproteins, considered to be the good form of cholesterol, carry the bad types away from your arteries and back to your liver, where they’re broken down and removed from your body.
Your body carries more of this type of fat than any other, storing excess from what you eat and combining with the different types of bad cholesterol to cause heart problems.
We break down the numbers that indicate cholesterol levels by their type and your sex, as what is considered to be safe varies between men and women:
You’re considered to have healthy cholesterol if your total number is below 200, with HDL between 40-80 in men and 50-80 in women. In healthy people, LDL cholesterol typically measures under 100.
You’re at increased risk of heart problems if your total levels get above 200, and you have HDL levels under 40 in men and under 50 in women. LDL levels are also over 100 in this case.
Your liver produces about 75% of the cholesterol in your body, while the rest comes from your diet. Even though dietary cholesterol makes up a smaller portion, the foods you eat still have a significant impact on your heart health. Changes in diet and lifestyle can also positively influence your cholesterol levels.
Reducing processed foods, high-carbohydrate foods, and fast foods will help a great deal. Focus instead on eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish to improve your cholesterol levels. Additionally, try to avoid habits such as smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and engage in regular exercise.
We can assist you with dietary and physical activity needs and offer medications to help control your cholesterol levels. If you’re struggling with high cholesterol, schedule an appointment with Dr. Veiseh today by calling our office or booking your visit online to get the help you need.
