Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. While your body needs cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called "bad" cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as "good" cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it can build up and form plaques. HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries and transport it back to the liver.
Your total cholesterol level is made up of LDL, HDL, and a percentage of your triglyceride level. Understanding these individual components is more informative than looking at total cholesterol alone.
Lifestyle factors that can improve your cholesterol profile include eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins; exercising regularly; maintaining a healthy weight; and avoiding smoking.
When lifestyle changes are not enough, medications such as statins, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitors may be recommended. Your doctor will assess your overall cardiovascular risk to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Regular monitoring of your lipid profile is important, particularly if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease.
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