Cholesterol 101

Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat, that travels through your bloodstream, impacting all your systems.

Some cholesterol is manufactured in our body, but other forms of cholesterol come from the nutrition we ingest from animal products, such as milk, eggs, cheese, and meats.

Cholesterol itself isn’t bad. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, healthy cell membrane, vitamin D, and digestive fluids. Cholesterol also helps your organs function properly.  Yet not all cholesterol is created equal and can have different effects within our body.

Cholesterol itself isn’t bad. But not all cholesterol is created equal and can have different effects within our body.  

Some cholesterol has been deemed, “the bad cholesterol,” because these particles over time can damage your arteries, contribute to heart disease, and increase your risk for a stroke. Interestingly enough, the “good,” cholesterol, helps to carry the bad cholesterol away and out of the body. And that’s why you want good cholesterol around.

In lab bloodwork reports, cholesterol numbers are broken down into four, sometimes five, different numbers:

Understanding your cholesterol levels is crucial to maintaining a healthy heart and overall well-being. By monitoring the different types of cholesterol—total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and VLDL—you can take proactive measures to manage your cardiovascular risk.

Remember, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and, if necessary, medication can help keep your cholesterol in check and protect your heart for years to come. Prioritizing your cholesterol health today can lead to a healthier, longer life.

Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts with more information on how unmanaged cholesterol can affect different systems in your body.