Contents
Everything You Need to Know About Normal Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an essential part of a healthy body. It is produced naturally and helps the body synthesize Vitamin D and create hormones including testosterone and estrogen. But when levels of cholesterol are too high, it can cause serious health complications. This is why it’s important to understand what constitutes healthy, or normal, cholesterol levels.
What are Cholesterol Levels?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty material that is primarily produced in the liver, however it is also found in man-made foods. Cholesterol is necessary for the body to remain healthy, but too much of it can cause problems. That’s why it is important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels. There are two main types of cholesterol:
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): A good type of cholesterol.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): A type of cholesterol that can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause health problems.
What are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
A healthy cholesterol level will vary from person to person. Your doctor will typically measure your cholesterol levels at least every five years. Normal cholesterol levels for adults are as follows:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL.
- HDL: Greater than 40 mg/dL in men and higher than 50 mg/dL in women.
- LDL: Lower than 100 mg/dL is optimal and should stay below 130 mg/dL.
What Are the Causes of High Cholesterol?
When someone has high cholesterol (greater than 200 mg/dL total cholesterol), it can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, or smoking. It can also be due to genetic factors, or a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or a thyroid disorder.
How is High Cholesterol Treated?
If your cholesterol levels are above the normal range, your doctor will likely advise lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. If these methods are unsuccessful in lowering your cholesterol levels, your doctor may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and frequently monitoring your cholesterol levels is important in keeping your heart healthy. To ensure that your cholesterol levels remain normal, seek advice from your doctor and stick to a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstain from smoking.
Keywords: Normal Cholesterol Levels, HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol, Healthy Diet, Regular Exercise
