Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to make certain hormones and to digest food. But when you have high levels of cholesterol, it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

How is Cholesterol Measured?

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. A healthy total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL. If your cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, it’s considered borderline high.

If your cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher, it’s considered high.

What are the Different Types of Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is divided into two types:.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – This is known as “bad” cholesterol. An optimal LDL level is less than 100 mg/dL, but anything between 100-129 mg/dL is still considered good. Levels of 130-159 mg/dL are considered borderline high, while levels above 160 mg/dL are considered high.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – This is known as “good” cholesterol. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher is optimal for preventing heart disease, while levels below 40 mg/dL are considered low and increase your risk for heart disease.

What are the Risks of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries. This can cause a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. It can also cause other health problems, such as:.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Gallstones
Liver problems

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Several lifestyle factors can contribute to high cholesterol:.

Unhealthy diet – A diet high in saturated and trans fats can raise your cholesterol levels.
Lack of exercise – Physical inactivity can lower your HDL levels and raise your LDL levels.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese can raise your LDL levels and lower your HDL levels.

Other factors that can increase your risk of high cholesterol include:.

Family history of high cholesterol
Aging – Cholesterol levels rise as you get older
Smoking – Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises your risk of high cholesterol

How Can High Cholesterol be Treated?

There are several ways to lower your cholesterol levels:.

Healthy diet – Eat a diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats. Try to include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Regular exercise – Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This can include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Weight loss – Losing weight can lower your LDL levels and raise your HDL levels.
Medication – In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your cholesterol levels. This may include statins, bile acid sequestrants, or other types of medication.

Can High Cholesterol be Prevented?

There are several steps you can take to prevent high cholesterol:.

Eat a healthy diet – Choose foods that are low in saturated and trans fats. Try to include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Quit smoking – Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises your risk of high cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese can raise your LDL levels and lower your HDL levels.

Conclusion

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s important to know your cholesterol levels and take steps to keep them within a healthy range.

This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. If necessary, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your cholesterol levels.