Beyond the Numbers: What Your Cholesterol Levels Really Mean

Getting the results of your cholesterol test can be confusing, especially if you don’t understand what the numbers mean for your health.

Parkview Cardiology in New York City provides comprehensive care for high cholesterol, including in-office blood tests and customized treatment plans.

Board-certified cardiologist Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, offers advanced treatments to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of high cholesterol-related complications.

Below, we outline the basics of cholesterol, so you know what your results mean and how to use the information to improve your long-term cardiovascular health.

What to know about cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that resides in every cell of your body. The fat-like material plays a significant role in building cell membranes, fat digestion, and hormone production. 

The liver produces most of the cholesterol you need. However, you also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, such as dairy, eggs, and meat.

Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in lipoproteins. The two types include:

High-density lipoproteins (HDL)

HDL is known as good cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, carrying it back to the liver for elimination.

Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. You can increase HDL by eating a nutritious diet rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

LDL is considered bad cholesterol because it can build up and form plaque in your arteries, interfering with healthy blood flow. This condition (atherosclerosis) significantly increases risk factors for stroke and heart attack.

Low LDL levels are crucial for good cardiovascular health, especially if you have other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Evaluating your cholesterol numbers

Dr. Sankholkar looks beyond the total cholesterol numbers to better assess your heart health. He considers the ratio of LDL to HDL, as well as your genetic history, lifestyle, diet, and age, when evaluating your cholesterol test results.

Another key consideration is the triglyceride number on your cholesterol test. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that your body uses for energy. High triglyceride levels can increase plaque buildup in the arteries, making you more susceptible to heart attack and stroke.

Strategies for improving your cholesterol levels

You can often improve cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes, such as:

Healthy diet

Adopting a diet that incorporates more fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains can lower LDL levels. You should also avoid processed foods, as well as saturated and trans fats, to maintain healthy LDL levels.

Physical activity

Daily exercise is essential for blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of cardio activity each day to support healthy cholesterol. Walking, swimming, and cycling are all good strategies to keep your blood pumping.

Stress management

Stress increases cholesterol levels by triggering cortisol and other hormones that raise LDL and triglyceride levels. Learn mindfulness exercises such as breathwork and meditation to better manage stress at work and home.

If these strategies aren’t enough to keep your cholesterol levels in check, Dr. Sankholkar may prescribe statins or other medications to address high cholesterol.

To schedule a consultation at Parkview Cardiology, call our Midtown Manhattan office today or book an appointment online.