Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.
If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can join with other substances in the blood to build up in the inner walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. The arteries can become clogged and hardened by plaque. This is known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. As the arteries narrow, blood flow is reduced, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
When you get a cholesterol test, you'll receive results for the following numbers:
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications like statins may be used to lower high cholesterol under a doctor's care.
The medical professionals at Balanced Hormone Clinic can help diagnose and treat high cholesterol through comprehensive lab testing and personalized care plans. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your heart health.
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