Cholesterol plays a crucial role in your health, but understanding what your cholesterol numbers mean can be difficult. Midwest Express Clinic prioritizes your wellness by offering essential urgent care services like General Wellness Exams and Hypertension Screenings to help you manage your cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Read on to learn more about cholesterol and how your cholesterol numbers affect your overall health.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream that serves a key function in building cells, producing hormones and aiding in digestion. While your body naturally produces cholesterol, it is also found in certain foods. Maintaining the right balance of cholesterol in your body is vital because too much cholesterol can lead to long-term health issues like heart disease and stroke.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers
Providers assess your cholesterol levels through a blood test known as a lipid panel, focusing on several key numbers:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries, leading to blockages that increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — Also known as “good” cholesterol, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. This process helps to reduce the risk of plaque buildup.
- Total cholesterol — This is the overall measure of both LDL and HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.
- Triglycerides – Triglycerides are another type of fat found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can contribute to heart disease, especially when combined with high levels of LDL cholesterol or low levels of HDL cholesterol.
What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
According to the American Heart Association, healthy cholesterol levels risk factors. Generally, healthy cholesterol levels meet the following criteria:
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal, while LDL cholesterol levels above 160 mg/dL are considered high.
- HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is ideal, as it offers protection against heart disease. HDL cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women are considered below optimal range.
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is within optimal range.
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is considered normal, while anything above that is out of optimal range.
How To Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Keeping your cholesterol levels in check involves a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and routine physical exams, including:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet — Fill your plate with nutritious whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fried or processed foods.
- Exercising regularly — To boost HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels, aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight — Losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels.
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption — Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels, while excessive alcohol intake can increase triglyceride levels.
- Prioritizing routine physical exams — Cholesterol and HTN screenings during your general wellness exam can help you stay ahead of potential issues such as heart disease and other health complications.
How Midwest Express Clinic Can Help You Manage Your Cholesterol Levels
Midwest Express Clinic offers comprehensive urgent care services to help you manage your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol and HTN are included in general wellness exams at all Midwest Express Clinic locations.
If your cholesterol levels are outside the recommended range, your experienced urgent care provider can offer recommendations and guidance on lifestyle changes or medications to get your health back on track. Early detection and proactive management are key to preventing serious complications. With expert care from Midwest Express Clinic, you can make informed decisions to keep your heart healthy and strong for years to come. To find urgent care nearest you, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
