Most Americans know high cholesterol is bad for their heart health. The problem: High cholesterol causes no symptoms on its own, which means you can have high cholesterol and not even know it until a more serious event — like a heart attack or stroke — occurs.
Cholesterol tests are simple, but the results can feel confusing at first glance. Breaking down each component helps you understand your unique risk and how you can improve your long-term heart health.
Screening is simple, but unless you know what the results mean, that list of numbers can seem intimidating. In recognition of American Heart Month, Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and the team at TLC Medical Group Inc. offer a simple overview of cholesterol and how to tell if your numbers need a little adjusting to protect your health and your heart.
When most people hear the word “cholesterol,” they think of health problems like heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. But cholesterol isn’t inherently bad — in fact, your body needs some cholesterol to function.
Optimal amounts of cholesterol keep your cells healthy, regulate hormone production, and help your body create vitamin D. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. You also get some from the foods you eat.
Trouble begins when LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels rise too high. Excess cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream, sticking to artery walls and forming thick, sticky plaques.
Over time, these plaques harden and narrow your arteries, slowing or even blocking blood flow and increasing your risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other health problems, like cognitive decline and dementia.
You’ve probably heard of “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but actually, your body needs both. LDL is often labeled “bad” cholesterol because it’s the portion most responsible for plaque buildup inside your arteries. High LDL levels directly contribute to circulation problems and cardiovascular disease.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, is often called “good” cholesterol. HDL moves excess LDL out of your bloodstream and back to the liver, supporting healthier blood vessels. Although both types serve essential functions, maintaining a healthy balance is critical for optimal cardiovascular health.
In addition to your LDL and HDL levels, your cholesterol reading typically includes a measurement of triglycerides, another type of fat that circulates in your blood. After you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t immediately need into triglycerides. These are then stored in fat cells and released later as energy.
Consistently high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of metabolic issues, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Your triglyceride level, combined with your HDL and LDL levels, provides a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health and helps us develop a treatment plan and offer lifestyle guidance to help you keep all your numbers in balance.
Once you have your cholesterol screening results, the next step is determining what they mean—are they too high, too low, or just right? For most adults, the following ranges are considered ideal:
It’s important to note, however, that these values provide a broad framework suitable for the general population. Your ideal target numbers could look much different depending on your underlying health and personal risk factors, like your weight, age, smoking status, and even your family health history.
If your numbers are “unbalanced,” our team will work with you to create a plan that helps you manage your cholesterol levels more effectively. For most people, that means lifestyle changes, such as improving dietary habits and increasing exercise. Depending on your needs, it may mean taking medication to help lower LDL and protect your heart.
If you’re unsure what your cholesterol numbers mean or want help lowering your risk, we can provide an initial screening and a treatment plan tailored to your unique risk factors. To learn more, request an appointment with Dr. Lewis and the TLC Medical Group team in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today, online or by phone.
