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 main types of cholesterol:
Your cholesterol levels are measured through a simple blood test. When you get your cholesterol tested, you'll get readings for your:
So what causes high cholesterol? There are usually two main culprits:
High cholesterol usually doesn't have any obvious symptoms. That's why it's important to have your cholesterol levels tested regularly, especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease like smoking, obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you find out you have high cholesterol, the good news is that it's very treatable through lifestyle changes and medication when needed. Here are some ways to improve your cholesterol:
At Vitality Hormone Clinic, we provide comprehensive hormone testing and optimization services to help patients achieve optimal health. Our experienced physicians can help diagnose potential causes of high cholesterol like hormonal imbalances, and create customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones, diet and lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol profile.
Keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels reduces your risk for heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Work with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol, understand your risk factors, and take steps to keep your heart healthy. Small lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions can make a big difference!