Checking Your Cholesterol Levels Is an Effective Way To Assess Your General Health

Posted .

When it comes to your health, cholesterol is an important part of your body’s needs. Created in the liver, the main food source of cholesterol can only come from animal products like meat and dairy. Beef, pork, chicken, milk, cheese and ice cream can all impact your cholesterol levels. Your body requires cholesterol for its role in producing sex hormones, being a building block for your body’s tissues and helping your liver create bile. There is a caution, however, as too much cholesterol, much like a lot of things, isn’t good for you. 

Bad Cholesterol – Low-Density Lipoprotein

Cholesterol is broken down into two types, LDL and HDL. These lipoproteins are made of protein and fat which supply cholesterol via the bloodstream to your body. What is referred to as bad cholesterol is actually, LDL, a low-density lipoprotein. Too much can harden your arteries as plaque builds up on your arterial walls, narrowing your blood vessels and hampering the flow of oxygen-rich blood trying to go where your body needs it. The end result? You could become vulnerable to a stroke or heart attack. Your LDL should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter,

Good Cholesterol – High-Density Lipoprotein

Conversely, good cholesterol or HDL is high-density lipoprotein that protects you against heart attack and stroke, while also getting rid of LDL in your arteries, sending it back to your liver so it can be broken down and excreted. Good HDL levels are 60 mg/dL and higher. If your good cholesterol numbers are too low, you are at greater risk for heart disease.

Getting A Cholesterol Panel

Dr. John Abroon and our team provide our patients with a blood test or cholesterol (lipid panels) to check their triglycerides –measuring good and bad cholesterol levels. Dr. Abroon may also look at VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) if needed. By checking cholesterol levels, Dr. Abroon can then provide necessary information to help patients get healthier. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, we welcome you to call us today and schedule a visit. You deserve your best health!